Ketamine: a widening of practices that requires strengthening prevention and training

In a note. In addition. Meanwhile, the French observatory of drugs and addictive trends (OFDT) draws up a knowledge of illegal uses of ketamine, based on almost twenty years of data collection. However, If consumption remains marginal, its dissemination increases, with a diversification of the intentionalities of use and the effects sought. Consequently, the training of addictology stakeholders constitutes “a protruding issue in the years to come ».

Substance with hallucinogenic. Furthermore. However, dissociative properties, ketamine, synthesized for the first time in the 1960s and used in medicine for its anesthetic effects, appeared in French festive uses in the late 1990s, carried by the techno alternative movement. However, Its consumption remains marginal in the general population. including in young people, compared to other products such as MDMA or cocaine. Thus, in 2023, in France, ketamine: widening practices requires strengthening new 2.6 % of adults aged 18 to 64 had ketamine: widening practices requires strengthening experienced ketamine and 0.6 % had used it in the year preceding the survey.

Discreet but expanding distribution

Since the years 2010. observations carried out by the recent trends system. new drugs (TREND), however, reveal a gradual dissemination of ketamine to more varied public publics, But already familiar with drug uses. This expansion is accompanied by a change of representation: long perceived as a dangerous substance. in particular because of its use in veterinary medicine. the intensity of its effects, Ketamine is now associated with a diversity of functions assigned users – search for hallucination, stimulating effects, relief of mental or physical suffering, management of other problematic uses such as alcohol, opioids or psychotropic drugs. Consumption contexts are also diversifying, various festive events (clubs, festivals, etc.), solitary consumption or chemsex.

At the same time. The availability ketamine: widening practices requires strengthening new of the product increases : drop in prices. multiplication of supply networks ketamine: widening practices requires strengthening and better accessibility have favored broader diffusion. This distribution process is reminiscent of that of Cathinons. initially confined to Chemsex, and whose use has gradually extended to more diversified audiences during the 2020s.

A training issue

Beyond dependence. the most recent observations highlight significant damage to health, including urinary or nephrological disorders, in regular users. These developments raise public health issues: Deepen knowledge of these practices. adapt prevention and risk reduction strategies (RDR) and train professionals to these uses.

• Press release ofDT, June 11, 2025.
• Ketamine: recent tendencies in supply and consumption, C. Gérome, Notes, Results, OFDT May 2025, in PDF.