Written question WQ100821

I am concerned and share others increasing concerns about the use of Ketamine, particularly amongst young people, and the harms that this can cause over a short period. Through our Welsh Emerging Drugs & Identification of Novel Substances (WEDINOS) Programme we are able to see that the prevalence of ketamine samples submitted to WEDINOS has increased over the last 10 years from 0.67% in 2015 to 5.32% in 2025. Whilst this is not an indication of the prevalence of use of ketamine as WEDINOS is a self-selecting/self-reporting system, it is clear that action is needed to address the increasing harms associated with this drug.

We continue to work with partners, particularly through our Area Planning Boards (APBs) and substance misuse third sector to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable substance misuse population are met and the appropriate guidance and treatment is in place. APBs have developed a range of resources mainly focusing on awareness raising, harm reduction and reducing risks and they ensure this information is being disseminated widely. Areas are also adapting services to address these issues, with treatment pathways specifically for those using Ketamine, with some areas implementing joint assessments for those using the drug.

As an example, the North Wales Police prevention workstream is being led through their Prevention Hub and adopts a multi-agency approach. This includes engagement with secondary schools across the force area, providing education and awareness around the risks associated with Ketamine use. This work is supported by the "I Wish Somebody Had Told Me" campaign, which includes the lived experience of a former substance misuse user to deliver a powerful and credible prevention message to young people.

Whilst I recognise a lot of work is being delivered locally, we have established a National Ketamine Working Group to ensure we are doing all that we can to reduce harms given the unique issues around this drug. The primary aim of the group is to learn from local good practice and clinical evidence to establish a Ketamine Pathway Framework, to ensure an evidence based and consistent response across Wales. The intention is that this will be a whole pathway approach covering prevention through to treatment, recovery and possible relapse. The initial priority of this work will be around the physical treatment pathway and awareness raising of the dangers of using the drug.

Representation on the group includes practitioners working on the frontline of Ketamine treatment outside the NHS as well as clinicians working in the NHS. Attendees also include consultant psychiatrists, representatives from public health, APBs, Case Review Co-ordinators, and representatives from the third sector. North Wales Police are also represented on this group providing an opportunity to contribute to the wider Welsh response and strengthen partnership approaches to prevention, early intervention and safeguarding.