‘I started ketamine at 14 and needed nappies at 22’ – the rise of young people going to rehab

• Key Takeaways for Clinical Practice
• Ketamine misuse in young people can cause severe physical complications including chronic pain and functional impairment, requiring early intervention and rehabilitation services
• Healthcare professionals should maintain high clinical suspicion for ketamine-related harm in adolescents presenting with unexplained pain, postural abnormalities, or functional decline
• Young people with substance use disorders require access to specialist addiction services and multidisciplinary rehabilitation, highlighting the need for adequate provision of youth-focused treatment pathways

For the last two years Megan has been in agony and unable to stand straight because of her ketamine use.

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