Mother Calls for Ketamine Reclassification After Son's Overdose Death

Clare Rogers, a mother from Warwickshire, England, is advocating for the reclassification of ketamine after her 26-year-old son Rian died from an overdose of the drug in April 2023. Rian had become addicted to ketamine following the death of his best friend Fraser in a car crash in 2018. His usage of the drug doubled during the pandemic as he struggled with grief and was placed on furlough.

Rian was found dead in his shower with five bags of ketamine in his bedroom, two of which were empty. The cause of death was determined to be pulmonary and cerebral edema due to his breathing slowing down from the ketamine. "Rian was a beautiful boy with a beautiful soul, but he got lost," said Clare Rogers. "He couldn't get over the death of his friend and he turned to ketamine."

Since her son's tragic death, Clare has started a petition to reclassify ketamine and set up a Facebook page to provide information and support for others dealing with ketamine addiction. She wants to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug and see tougher sentences imposed on dealers. Clare also hopes to see more support made available for those battling addiction.

Why this matters: Ketamine-related deaths have been on the rise in the UK in recent years. Reclassifying the drug could help curb its availability and send a stronger message about its risks. Providing more resources for those struggling with addiction is also critical to preventing further tragedies.

The UK government is currently reviewing the classification of ketamine. A spokesman said they are carefully considering the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' advice on the reclassification. For Clare Rogers, any changes will come too late, but she hopes her efforts can spare other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. "I just want people to know how dangerous this drug is," she said. "My son paid the ultimate price, but if we can save even one life then his death won't have been in vain."

Key Takeaways

• Mother advocates reclassifying ketamine after son's overdose death.
• Rian, 26, became addicted to ketamine after friend's car crash death.
• Ketamine-related deaths rising in UK; reclassification could curb availability.
• Clare Rogers started petition, Facebook page to raise awareness on dangers.
• UK government reviewing ketamine classification based on advisory council advice.