Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership (MADP) is raising awareness of the potential health risks associated with ketamine, which has been identified as an emerging substance use trend in Moray, particularly among younger people.
The focus on emerging drug trends comes as new figures show that 10 people in Moray lost their lives to drugs in 2024/25. While the number is unchanged from the previous two years, each death has a profound impact on families, friends and communities.
Ketamine can be seen as a relatively harmless recreational drug by some, but health professionals in Grampian are warning of the serious harm it can cause.
Regular ketamine use can cause serious damage to the bladder and urinary system. This can include needing to pass urine frequently, incontinence, bleeding and scarring of the bladder. In severe cases, damage can be so extensive that major surgery, including removal of the bladder, may be needed.
Last month, NHS Grampian launched a new specialist Ketamine Bladder Clinic to support people referred to hospital with ketamine-related harm.
Ketamine can also affect awareness and coordination, increase the risk of accidents and injuries, and, particularly at high doses or when combined with other drugs, can lead to overdose and death.
MADP continues to work with partners to prevent drug-related deaths and reduce harm, including through naloxone provision, early warning and surveillance, assertive outreach and improved access to treatment and recovery. Understanding changing patterns of drug use, including emerging concerns around ketamine, is an important part of this work.
Justin Jansen, MADP Coordinator, said: “We want people to have accurate information about the risks associated with ketamine so they can make informed choices about their health and know where to turn for support.
“Ketamine use can have serious consequences, particularly when it is used regularly. We are working with our partners to understand changing patterns of use, raise awareness of the potential harms and make sure appropriate support is available.
“If you’re worried about your own ketamine use, or concerned about someone else, please don’t wait until things become more serious before asking for help. Reach out early on to someone trusted, such as a friend, family member, GP, teacher, colleague or support worker.”
The Arrows Service provides drug, alcohol and family support in Moray, including a Safe Space Ketamine Recovery peer to peer support group. Get in touch by calling 01343 610 500 / 07812 228547 or emailing arrows@quarriers.org.uk.
Dennis Robertson, Chair of Moray Integration Joint Board which governs local health and social care services, said: “The emergence of ketamine as a concern in Moray highlights the importance of understanding changing patterns of substance use and making sure people have clear, accurate information about the risks.
“We want people to know that support is available and that they will be treated with respect and without judgement. Working with people with lived and living experience, our communities and partners is central to understanding these issues and making sure we have services which are responsive to changing needs.”
MADP’s annual report, presented to the Board on 24 September, highlighted a continued focus on preventing drug-related deaths and reducing harm through measures including naloxone provision, early warning and surveillance, assertive outreach, improved access to treatment and recovery, and support for families.
Moray Health & Social Care Partnership Communications
