WASTEWATER analysis led by researchers at Adelaide University has found ketamine consumption rose across Australia from Dec 2020 to Apr 2025.
"We found that ketamine mass loads increased across Australia from 2022 to 2025, particularly in sites with higher socioeconomic status," said Prof Cobus Gerber from Adelaide University's School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences.
"While our initial findings were largely consistent with expected prescribed use of ketamine, patterns started emerging of substantially elevated excretion on weekends, suggesting an increase in recreational, or non-medical use of the substance."
Excreted loads fluctuated from a low of about 1.6 mg/day/1,000 people in 2022 to 5.8 mg/day/ 1,000 people by the end of 2025.
Long-term health effects of ketamine include cognitive impairment and cardiovascular effects, while deaths due to overdose have increased internationally.
Professor Gerber said the study provided important insight into where resources and harm reduction messaging may be most needed.
The researchers recommended further research into behavioural drivers of drug use, including the context in which substances are used, combinations with other drugs, and the origin of non-medical ketamine circulating in the community - the paper is HERE.
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