European Union warns of surge in recreational ketamine use across member states

The European Union Drugs Agency reported a 41 % rise in ketamine residues in wastewater between 2024 and 2025, with the highest concentrations detected in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Across 66 cities, 40 showed increased levels, especially on weekends, indicating growing recreational use among young adults and nightlife participants.

Medical cases related to ketamine abuse have quadrupled from 413 in 2019 to 1,796 in 2024, mainly in Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Law‑enforcement seizures in 2024 were most frequent in Spain and largest in Germany; the drug is largely imported in bulk from India to Germany before being distributed throughout the EU.

Health authorities warn that ketamine can cause respiratory and cardiac arrest, delirium, paranoia and addiction, with risks heightened when combined with alcohol or other substances. The agency highlighted gaps in information on legitimate manufacturing and unauthorized therapeutic use, describing the trend as an emerging public‑health problem.