The heart-wrenching story of Isabelle Sapherson-Moralee, a 22-year-old who succumbed to a debilitating ketamine addiction, has ignited a passionate plea from her mother for the reclassification of the drug. Ann Moralee, who witnessed her daughter’s struggle and ultimate demise, is urging UK authorities to elevate ketamine from a Class B to a Class A drug, in hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Isabelle, affectionately known as Izzy, was a vibrant young woman who battled addiction in silence, eventually paying the ultimate price. Her mother, Ann, described her daughter as “beautiful and smart,” but also highlighted the devastating effects of ketamine, a drug that has gained a troubling reputation among young people as being less dangerous simply because of its current classification. Weighing just 5 stone 9 pounds at the time of her death, Izzy suffered immensely, ultimately succumbing to chronic pain exacerbated by her substance abuse.
Ann Moralee has been vocal about her concerns regarding the public perception of ketamine, which she believes is viewed as relatively safe compared to other illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin. This misconception, she argues, is contributing to its increasing usage and the subsequent harms it inflicts on users.
Inquest Findings and Calls for Action
Following an inquest into her daughter’s death, Ann has urged the presiding coroner, Brendan Allen, to issue a report recommending the reclassification of ketamine. Her barrister, Antonia Jameson, emphasised that the family hopes to derive something positive from their loss, pushing for a report that could compel the government to reconsider the drug’s classification.
Coroner Allen acknowledged that he had previously submitted a similar recommendation to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in 2025 after the death of another young woman linked to ketamine use. Despite these efforts, the government opted not to upgrade the drug’s classification, prompting renewed calls for action.
The Struggles of Addiction
Izzy’s addiction began during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, a time when many turned to substances for solace. Her struggle was hidden from her family for three years until the physical toll became evident. She developed a severe condition known as ketamine bladder, causing chronic pain and incontinence, which led her to spend an estimated £500 a month on incontinence products.
Despite her mother’s relentless efforts to secure treatment for her daughter, Ann felt that Izzy was dismissed as just another ketamine addict, a label that ultimately contributed to the lack of effective support. On 24 April 2025, just days before her passing, Izzy made the painful decision to leave the hospital, telling her mother, “No more hospitals, Mum, I can’t do it anymore.”
Tragically, Ann reflected on her inability to save her daughter, stating, “I have saved a lot of lives… but ultimately I couldn’t save my daughter.” The inquest revealed that Izzy died from respiratory depression due to a combination of severe morphine and gabapentin toxicity, conditions that were exacerbated by her long-term use of ketamine.
A Growing Epidemic
The alarming rise in ketamine-related cases among young people has been echoed by medical professionals. Dr Deborah Mayne, an A&E consultant, noted an increasing frequency of such cases and raised concerns about the drug’s accessibility, stating, “It is unbelievable how accessible it is… children are taking it in schools.”
The misconception that ketamine is less addictive than other drugs continues to pose a significant risk, as it remains cheaper and more readily available due to its current classification. Ann Moralee’s legal team is adamant that the dangers of ketamine are serious and should not be underestimated.
Why it Matters
The tragic story of Isabelle Sapherson-Moralee serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of addiction and the urgent need for a reassessment of drug classifications. By pushing for a reclassification of ketamine to Class A, Ann Moralee hopes to spark critical dialogue around public perception, accessibility, and the dangers of this substance. As the discussion unfolds, it highlights the broader implications for drug policy and public health, urging society to acknowledge the complexities of addiction and the necessity for effective preventative measures.