Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

Ketamine , a powerful horse tranquiliser and anaesthetic, is a licensed drug and can be prescribed medically.

When misused, it can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder.

UK government seeking expert advice on whether to make ketamine a Class A drug.

Number seeking help across Lancashire increased from 32 in 2018-19 to 123 by 2024 .

Lancashire recorded offences for possession and supply of ketamine rose by nearly 70% from 54 in 2023 to 91 in 2024 .

In a report into drug trends in Greater Manchester , school-aged children recounted how they used it with friends to "chill" in the local parks or at home.

Those who go on to use it away from social settings are often doing so "to self-medicate unmet mental health support needs such as anxiety and trauma" The government is seeking expert advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

Lancashire County Council says it is "dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by ketamine use in our community" There is scepticism from those on the frontline that increased enforcement will solve the issue.

Some experts question how effective reclassification would be.

No one yet knows what the long-term effects will be for children who start taking ketamine at 12 .