A powerful new campaign has been launched across North Wales to tackle the growing use of ketamine among young people, with police, health professionals and charities joining forces to share the real-life consequences of the drug.

The campaign, "I Wish Someone Had Told Me", features first-hand accounts from people whose lives have been affected by ketamine, with organisers hoping the honest stories will encourage young people to think twice before experimenting with the Class B drug.

At the heart of the campaign is Bradley's Story, a documentary-style film in which Bradley, a former ketamine user from Rhyl, speaks openly about how his drug use began, the addiction that followed and his eventual recovery.

Describing one of the darkest moments of his addiction, Bradley says: "I thought I was going to die, I thought I was going to be a statistic."

His story is accompanied by a series of striking campaign messages based on the experiences of young people and their families, including: "I wish someone had told me I'd end up dropping out of university."

The campaign brings together a wide range of organisations, including North Wales Police, Adferiad Mental Health and Addiction Support Services, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Public Health Wales, House of The Vivienne, Flintshire Sorted, In2change, Barnardo's, Be' Di'r Sgôr and The Wallich.

It comes amid growing concern over the increasing impact ketamine is having on young people across the region.

Figures released as part of the campaign show emergency department admissions linked to ketamine in North Wales have risen sharply over the past three years, increasing from 241 in 2023 to 372 in 2024 and 412 in 2025.

Organisations involved in the initiative say the increase is placing growing pressure on NHS services, addiction support providers and other public sector organisations.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans, of North Wales Police, said: "Ketamine misuse is having a devastating impact on young people across North Wales, and we are seeing first-hand the serious risks it poses to their health, safety and future.

"By sharing these real experiences and clear information, we hope to encourage early conversations, early intervention and ultimately prevent lives from being damaged.

"This work would not be possible without the commitment of our partner agencies, who bring their expertise, compassion and determination to tackling this issue from every angle. I want to thank each organisation involved for their continued dedication in helping us protect our young people and support those who need it most."

Dr Jane Moore, Executive Director of Public Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said clinicians across North Wales were seeing a significant rise in patients suffering conditions linked to ketamine use.

She said: "Clinicians across our services in North Wales have seen a large increase in the number of patients with conditions linked to ketamine, including young people who have developed lasting and life-changing physical and mental health issues.

"It is vital that young people and parents can get clear, honest information about the harm ketamine can cause from places they can trust – and that's why we are working with other organisations across North Wales to support this important prevention campaign."

Mike Cooper, Youth Work Co-ordinator at In2change, Wrexham's young people's drug and alcohol service, said referrals involving ketamine had risen significantly between 2021 and 2025.

He said the service is responding through drug education in schools, one-to-one support, harm reduction advice, diversionary activities and specialist training for professionals working with young people.

Parents and carers are also being encouraged to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of ketamine and to seek support if they have concerns.

Campaign organisers hope that by putting real stories at the centre of the initiative, they can help prevent more young people from experiencing the long-term physical, mental and social consequences associated with ketamine use.