Conservative councillors have played a role in ensuring continued support for Somerset residents affected by drug and alcohol dependency, while pressing for stronger action to protect young people from emerging drug threats.
Somerset Council has confirmed continued funding for the Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS) until 2029. The service currently supports around 5,000 residents with alcohol dependency and a further 2,000 people affected by drug misuse.
During the decision process, Councillor Mark Healey highlighted growing concerns around ketamine use. He said, "Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. It has hallucinogenic effects - it dulls perception of sight and sound, and makes sure the user feels disconnected. Taking ketamine can make you feel dreamlike, detached, chilled, relaxed, happy, confused or nauseated. As a council, we cannot afford not to support SDAS for the next three years. Ketamine is affecting our children - there are drug dealers within our schools."
Alison Bell, the council's interim director of public health, responded: "It's really important that all areas of Somerset are reached with this service. I absolutely share your concerns, having been out in Glastonbury recently and seen the impact of ketamine use, with people living on the street. It is widely accessible within our communities."
Councillor Tom Power reinforced the importance of early intervention and education, calling for SDAS to work more closely with schools, colleges and sixth forms. He emphasised that tackling addiction requires prevention as well as treatment, ensuring young people receive clear information and support before problems escalate.
