The real reason ketamine deaths have increased 20

Ketamine deaths have increased 20-fold since 2014 with users putting themselves at greater risk by mixing drugs, experts have said.

Analysis of coroner’s reports in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 1999 and 2024 found there were 696 deaths where ketamine was a cause.

Some 330 deaths occurred over the first 15 years of the study with 366 taking place over the last five years. While just six deaths occurred in 2014 some 123 deaths are estimated to have occurred last year, highlighting the sharp rise. New Feature

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Ketamine – often known as “Special K” – has become increasingly popular among younger people at clubs and festivals as it has hallucinogenic effects. It is usually sold in “bumps” or grams in bags of white or off-wh