Clare Rogers, from Warwickshire, says she felt she 'lost' her son Rian long before he died from a ketamine overdose a year ago. The 24-year-old was found dead in his shower after taking the drug, with five bags of ketamine in his bedroom.
Rian was first introduced to ketamine at a festival and became addicted after his best friend Fraser died in a car crash in 2018. During the pandemic, he was furloughed and began using the drug daily, often seeing his deceased friend while under the influence.
'He went from being such a happy, confident, clever boy… to this shell. I didn't know who he was anymore,' Ms Rogers said. 'It wasn't him. It was the drugs talking.'
Since Rian's death, Ms Rogers has started a petition to reclassify ketamine and set up a Facebook page offering information and support. She wants tougher sentences for dealers and better support for addicts.
Another mother from Bristol, who wished to remain anonymous, said her two children in their 20s are struggling with ketamine addiction. Her son became hooked after a friend's death and now avoids family contact.
Ketamine use has more than doubled in England and Wales since 2016, with 3.8% of 16-24 year olds reporting use in 2023. Urologists warn of rising bladder issues among young chronic users.
