Rising Ketamine Use Among Young People: What Frontline Event Staff Need to Know
Recent figures from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System have revealed a sharp and concerning rise in ketamine use among under-18s in the UK. Between 2020–21 and 2023–24, the number of young people entering drug treatment who identified ketamine as a problem substance nearly tripled, from 335 to 917. In that same timeframe, under-17s reporting ketamine-related issues rose from 512 to 1,201.
The figures are more than just numbers—they reflect a growing national challenge. In Merseyside, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has taken the extraordinary step of opening a specialist clinic to support young people using ketamine. Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, the clinic is already facing high referral numbers, indicating the severity and urgency of the issue.
Ketamine and the Events Sector: A Growing Risk
While ketamine is still widely known for its medical and veterinary uses, it is also well established on the recreational scene. In club and festival settings, it is often used for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects—commonly referred to as being in a “K-hole.” But what’s becoming increasingly alarming for the security and events sector is its reported use in drink spiking.
Ketamine is colourless, tasteless, and fast-acting, making it particularly dangerous when used maliciously. Once ingested, it can induce confusion, dizziness, immobility, and memory loss—symptoms which can easily be misinterpreted or go unnoticed in a crowded venue or during a busy event.
For frontline staff in nightclubs, festivals, stadiums, and event environments, awareness and early intervention are essential. The consequences of inaction are severe—not just for individuals impacted, but also for venues, security teams, and the wider industry reputation.
Free Drink Spiking Awareness Training – Book Now
At NGTC, we believe that education is the first line of defence. Our Drink Spiking Awareness course is designed specifically for staff operating in the security and events sector, providing the knowledge and tools to recognise the signs of spiking, understand how substances like ketamine are used, and respond effectively.
This free training covers:
- An overview of common substances used in spiking, including ketamine
- Warning signs and symptoms to look out for
- How to intervene safely and supportively
- Reporting procedures and safeguarding considerations
✅ This course is free and available to book now:
🔗 Drink Spiking Awareness Course
Protecting People, Protecting Places
The rise in ketamine use among young people is not just a health concern—it’s a safety issue that directly affects the environments we work in. Whether you’re managing a bar, supervising a crowd, or monitoring CCTV, your vigilance could make the difference in protecting someone from serious harm.
NGTC is proud to support frontline teams with relevant, real-world training that empowers professionals to keep the public safe. We invite all event organisers, venue managers, and security personnel to make use of this free training and take proactive steps toward a safer summer season.
Let’s work together to keep our venues secure, our staff informed, and our guests safe.
#TrainingForASecureFuture