More young people using ketamine

Substance abuse charity DrugScope claims drugs services are reporting a growing trend in the use of the Class C drug among young people.

Martin Barnes, DrugScope chief executive, said: "Evidence of young people using ketamine is a particular concern, especially as many users may underestimate the risks involved. It is essential that we provide young people with clear and accurate information on the dangers of ketamine so that they can fully appreciate the drug's considerable harms."

Ketamine, a hallucinogen originally used as a horse tranquiliser, was ranked more harmful than both ecstasy and cannabis by an independent study published in Lancet in 2007.

Despite government attempts to raise awareness by making ketamine a Class C drug in 2006 its use had risen in nine major cities in the past 12 months according to a 2008 survey carried out by DrugScope.

The Drug Trends survey revealed concerning levels of recreational use in 2005 and since then the average price of a gram has fallen from £30 to £20 making it more accessible to young people.

Recent research carried out by the Home Office showed that young people between 16 and 24 are responsible for the highest levels of drug use.