Youths presenting with poly-drug problems- MaCYSS

A local youth substance support service has expressed deep concern over the loss of funding for vital drug education and early intervention services in Cavan and Monaghan, warning the cut comes at a time when poly-drug use among teenagers is so prevalent - and ketamine use emerging as a particular concern.

Monaghan and Cavan Youth Substance Support (MaCYSS) based in Cootehill and funded by HSE for clinical service provision, provides support for young people aged 12 to 18 and their families who are affected by alcohol or other drug use. However, the service lost funding in 2024 for its development worker- a three year role that up to last year worked to support schools, youth, and community organisations with prevention and early intervention initiatives.

Risks

“It is critical that we understand and discuss the risks associated with ketamine use and the potentially disastrous impact on young people’s brains, bladders, and behaviour,” says MaCYSS Support Manager Patricia Boyle. “Teachers, paramedics, GPs, parents, and staff in pubs, clubs, and festivals all need to be aware. When it comes to ketamine, prevention is so much better than cure.”

But Ms Boyle explained that the absence of a vital drug education worker in the region leaves a major gap in prevention efforts and services are struggling to keep pace with the ever evolving drug landscape.

“Whilst we are working to address this deficit in service provision, a lack of funding remains a critical issue in the region, and no doubt contributes to young people making poorly informed decisions on their use of substances.”

Growing Trend

Ms Boyle and her team have worked with young people across Cavan and Monaghan since 2021, helping them and their families understand the dangers of substance misuse. MaCYSS’s experience aligns with national data where there are few young people coming forward seeking help for ketamine addiction alone. Instead, it appears as part of a broader web of poly-drug use, where substances are being mixed and used in “increasingly” risky combinations.

“We’re increasingly seeing ketamine feature within combinations of drugs, and like our national counterparts, have concerns that it could become a primary drug of choice among teenagers,” notes Ms Boyle.

Originally developed for use in veterinary medicine as a horse tranquilliser, Ketamine is classed as a dissociative drug. It can cause users to feel detached from their body and surroundings, often leading to hallucinations or an ‘out-of-body’ experience- the so-called 'K-hole'.

These effects can be extremely risky, particularly in environments like festivals or house parties, suggests Ms Boyle, highlighting the drugs use in “date-rape” scenarios.

“Users have limited awareness and short-term memory loss, which is why ketamine has also been used as a date-rape drug. Young people are especially vulnerable to trauma or harm while affected.”

What worries Ms Boyle most is how casually the drug is being mixed with alcohol and other stimulants. Ketamine use, MaCYSS has found, often appears alongside other stimulants like cocaine, MDMA and alcohol, creating a dangerous cocktail and heightening the risk of seizures, blackouts and even overdose.

“This combination significantly increases the risk of seizures and fatal overdoses,” Ms Boyle warns.

“Young people need to realise they don’t know what they are getting when they’re buying drugs like Ketamine – there is no quality control in back street labs in Holland or China that work on behalf of criminal groups. Strength and ingredients vary, depending on criminal supply chains, and this can have a huge impact on physical and mental health of users.”

National Picture

The growing availability of ketamine in Ireland is reflected in national seizure data.

Figures show that 41.2 kilograms of ketamine, valued at €2.47 million, were seized in 2023 - a dramatic increase compared to 7.86 kilograms in 2022 and 25.19 kilograms in 2021.

Ms Boyle urges healthcare professionals to be alert to signs of ketamine use, especially among young people presenting with mood changes, cognitive decline, or bladder problems.

“We see it within a pattern of poly-drug use, and concerns remain that increased ketamine use is an emerging trend and will become more prevalent as a primary drug of choice.”

The physical toll is equally stark and chronic use carries consequences- from painful ulceration of the bladder and ureters, to an insatiable need to urinate - sometimes up to 50 times a day - and, in severe cases, bladder shrinkage requiring surgery, she explained.

Support

For Ms Boyle, the primary concern is as much about misinformation as it is about access. To help address growing concerns, MaCYSS will host a free information session for parents on “Young People, Alcohol & Drugs” at the Johnston Library in Cavan Town on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. The evening, funded by Healthy Ireland Cavan (Cavan County Council) will cover topics such as how parents influence their teens, setting healthy boundaries, and where to find local support.

Ms Boyle encouraged community members to attend: “These events are often poorly attended, and we would encourage people to attend if they are interested in learning more.”