Leicester is experiencing a significant increase in people seeking help for ketamine use, as new national data points to rising concern about the drug among young adults.
According to a survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Turning Point, one in three people aged 18 to 30 believe ketamine use is common among their peers. The findings come as local services in Leicester report a sharp uptick in demand for support.
Picture credit: Turning Point
In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, the number of people accessing support for ketamine use has risen dramatically—from just six cases in 2020 to 45 in 2025—reflecting a broader national trend.
Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales shows ketamine use across England and Wales has more than doubled over the past decade, with particularly steep increases among younger age groups.
Despite this, attitudes in the East Midlands suggest greater awareness of the drug’s risks. Around 75% of respondents in the region believe ketamine is dangerous to both physical and mental health—significantly higher than the national average of 65%.
Local services, including Turning Point’s Leicester Substance Use Service, have responded by introducing specialist ketamine treatment pathways. These programmes bring together multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, nurses, therapists, recovery workers, and peer mentors to provide tailored support.
Andrea Knowles, Senior Operations Manager at the Leicester service, said raising awareness remains a key priority.
“Ketamine may seem like a harmless party drug, but it can have devastating long-term consequences,” she said. “We want people to know that specialist support is available for anyone seeking advice or looking to stop.”
The wider survey found that 7% of young adults said they had used ketamine in the past, while 3% are current users and 1% use it daily—equating to tens of thousands of young people nationwide.
Common reasons cited for use include social settings such as parties and festivals, curiosity, and peer influence. However, more than a third of respondents also believe ketamine is used as a way to cope with stress or mental health challenges.
Turning Point has now launched a national Ketamine Awareness Campaign, which includes targeted outreach and education efforts that will also benefit communities in Leicester. The initiative aims to improve understanding of the drug’s risks, promote early intervention, and ensure healthcare professionals are better equipped to identify ketamine-related harm.
Dr Martyn Hull, Clinical Director at Turning Point, warned that the consequences of ketamine use are increasingly visible in local services.
“We are seeing people becoming extremely unwell, sometimes soon after they begin using ketamine,” he said. “Long-term use can cause serious and potentially irreversible damage, including to the bladder, liver and kidneys.”
The campaign also highlights real-life recovery stories, including individuals who have experienced severe health complications linked to ketamine use and are now working to support others.
With cases rising locally, health professionals in Leicester are urging young people to be aware of the risks and seek help early, as services expand to meet growing demand.
