What do frontline workers need to know about local and international ketamine trends? Catch up on this webinar for expert insights from Professor Robert Ralphs and practical strategies for preventing harm.
Ketamine use is at an all-time high in Australia. Its ubiquitous use at festivals and other settings suggests it has become a drug of choice for many young Australians.
At the same time, growing interest in ketamine’s therapeutic potential for treating mental health conditions has kept this dissociative drug in the media spotlight.
Beyond a club drug: A closer look at ketamine trends
Professor Robert Ralphs has been studying drug use trends in the UK since 1997. His recent research highlights the rise of ketamine use among young people in Greater Manchester, and illustrates how it has shifted from a niche club drug to a substance used by a broad range of young people with diverse motivations. This trend is linked to an increase in presentations for treatment.
In this webinar, Professor Ralphs unpacks the latest UK ketamine trends, explores reasons behind its growing use and discusses what’s needed for an effective whole-systems response.
Meet the speaker
Professor Robert Ralphs
Deputy Director of Drugs, Policy and Social Change, Manchester Metropolitan University
Rob Ralphs is a Professor of Criminology and Social Policy at Manchester Metropolitan University and Deputy Director of the Drugs, Policy and Social Change (DPSC) Research Centre.
Since 1997, his research has explored young people’s drug use, youth gangs, drug markets, drug treatment and drug policy. He has a particular interest in emerging drug trends in youth, homeless, prison and LGBTQI+ communities. His work has shaped national and local understanding and responses to ‘Spice’ in prisons and street settings, and chemsex amongst men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM).
Rob leads the annually conducted interdisciplinary research project ‘Greater Manchester Testing and Research on Emergent and New Drug trends (GMTRENDS)’, which last year included a trend focus on young people (aged 13-25) and ketamine, with a focus on understanding their motivations for use and developing a holistic approach to reduce harms.
This webinar is hosted by Rita Brien, Senior Workforce Development Officer at Penington Institute.