KETAMINE use among young people is “relatively low” in Jersey which is not seeing the same long-term health issues associated with the Class B drug as in the UK, according to the Island’s Public Health director.
Professor Peter Bradley said use of the drug in Jersey could be down to it being cheaper than other drugs.
He said that while a survey indicated that use of ketamine by young Islanders was low, it was also not something “easily monitored”.
The 2024 Jersey Children and Young People’s Survey recently revealed that 1% of Year 10 pupils who responded said they had taken ketamine, increasing to 3% of Year 12 pupils.
Prof Bradley told the JEP that they were focussed on educating Islanders about the dangers of the drug, which can cause long-term health issues, and on prevention.
Ketamine, originally developed for medical use as an anaesthetic, is used recreationally for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects – particularly in nightlife settings but increasingly at private homes too.
In the UK, growing numbers of teenagers and young adults are seeking treatment for ketamine-related issues. Experts have warned about addiction, as well as lasting physical health problems such as irreversible bladder and kidney damage.
In a statement provided to the JEP, Prof Bradley said: “School survey data indicates ketamine use is relatively low but the use of the drug among young people in Jersey is not something that can easily be monitored.
“When ketamine has been present in Jersey, the Alcohol and Drugs Services does see an increase in use by young people. A reason for this could be that it is relatively cheap in relation to other substances.
“However, while the UK is seeing an increase in ketamine-related health complications, we are not seeing the same in Jersey.”
Prof Bradley added: “As part of our ongoing work around PSHE lessons we are assisting with development of drug education resources for schools.
“With any type of substance use, our priority is to prevent health and social harms. This is generally achieved through interventions focused on behaviours, support, and risk or protective factors, rather than by re-classifying a drug.”
