UMVA has learned that a young woman, known as Izzy, died after her body shut down from taking a class B drug, ketamine, for five years. Her tragic story has raised concerns about the increasing abuse of ketamine among young people in the UK.
Izzy suffered from chronic pain and her bladder was severely damaged, forcing her to spend £500 a month on incontinence pads. Despite her struggles, she ended up in hospital on April 25 last year but discharged herself, telling her mother she wanted to "go home to die".
The inquest heard that Izzy had stopped trusting doctors after a traumatic experience with a urologist, which led to her ignoring medical advice and care. Her condition rapidly deteriorated over the following days, with her mother recalling that Izzy knew she was dying in the last 48 hours of her life.
Izzy's addiction to ketamine began in 2020 during the Covid lockdowns, and by the end of 2023, her mother discovered the extent of her substance abuse. The inquest was told that Izzy's mistrust of doctors led to her being dismissed as a ketamine addict, with her other health issues, including back pain, being ignored.
Izzy's mother, Ann, expressed regret that she couldn't save her daughter, despite her own experience as a nurse and flight attendant. Ann revealed that she had tried to get Izzy help, including considering rehab and seeking treatment in the US, but ultimately felt that opportunities to intervene were missed.
In Izzy's final moments, her mother asked if she wanted to recover, and Izzy replied that she wanted to get better and help others who had gone through similar struggles. The inquest heard that Izzy was a talented and intelligent young woman, but her addiction had taken over her life.
An expert from a drug and alcohol charity noted that ketamine can be used to mask mental health issues and external stresses, becoming habitual due to its accessibility and cheap price. The charity worker emphasized that it's the long-term effects of ketamine use that can cause physical damage and lead to a Catch-22 situation.
The inquest continues, but Izzy's story has already highlighted the alarming rise in ketamine abuse among young people in the UK, with usage increasing by over 250% since 2015. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ketamine addiction.
