North Wales ketamine campaign launched as hospital admissions climb
Emergency department admissions linked to ketamine in North Wales rose from 241 in 2023 to 412 in 2025, an increase of 71% in two years.
The figures have been released as organisations across the region launch a campaign aimed at young people using the Class B drug.
The campaign, called I Wish Someone Had Told Me, is built around a documentary-style film following Bradley, a former ketamine user from Rhyl. He describes how his use began and what followed, through addiction and into recovery.
Admissions rose to 372 in 2024 before reaching 412 last year.
Flintshire Sorted is among the partner organisations behind the campaign, alongside North Wales Police, Adferiad Mental Health and Addiction Support Services, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Public Health Wales, House of The Vivienne, In2change, Barnardos, Be’ Di’r Sgôr and The Wallich.
North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans said:
“Ketamine misuse is having a devastating impact on young people across North Wales, and we are seeing first-hand the serious risks it poses to their health, safety, and future. By sharing these real experiences and clear information, we hope to encourage early conversations, early intervention, and ultimately prevent lives from being damaged.”
Dr Jane Moore, Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said:
“Clinicians across our services in North Wales have seen a large increase in the number of patients with conditions linked to ketamine, including young people who have developed lasting and life-changing physical and mental health issues.
“It is vital that young people and parents can get clear, honest information about the harm ketamine can cause from places they can trust, and that’s why we are working with other organisations across North Wales to support this important prevention campaign.”
Alongside the film, the campaign carries a series of messages taken from young people and their parents and carers, including one that reads: “I wish someone had told me I’d end up dropping out of university.” These will run across social media, print and digital platforms.
Mike Cooper, Youth Work Co-ordinator at In2change, Wrexham’s young person’s drug and alcohol team, said:
“We’ve seen a worrying increase in the number of young people referred to our service with ketamine listed as the primary substance, a trend that’s grown significantly between 2021 and 2025. In response, we’re working closely with partner agencies to tackle the issue head-on.
“Our approach includes delivering universal drug education sessions in schools across Wrexham, offering tailored one-to-one support that takes a holistic view of each young person’s needs, and providing practical advice around harm reduction, relapse prevention, and staying safe.”
Ketamine is a Class B drug. Possession carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
The film and campaign materials are available at adferiad.org. Anyone worried about their own ketamine use, or someone else’s, can contact DAN 24/7, the Wales drug and alcohol helpline, free on 0808 808 2234 or by texting DAN to 81066.
Take it from Bradley
Bradley is an ex-ketamine user from Rhyl in North Wales. Want to know what it’s really like to use ket? Listen to Bradley…
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