Children as Young as 13 Suffering Severe Bladder Damage from Ketamine Use, UK Clinic Reports

Doctors running the United Kingdom's first and only dedicated National Health Service clinic for children with ketamine-induced bladder damage are reporting a significant rise in young patients, some as young as 13, experiencing severe urinary tract problems. The clinic, which opened in May, receives approximately one referral per week from general practitioners and emergency departments in the Cheshire, Merseyside, and surrounding regions.

Patients at the clinic describe intense pain when urinating, often likening it to "peeing over broken glass." They also report an urgent and frequent need to use the toilet, sometimes leading to accidents. Some children use ketamine, a general anesthetic known for its dissociative effects that can induce dream-like and detached sensations, to alleviate the pain, creating a dangerous cycle known as a "K loop" that exacerbates bladder damage.

Professor Rachel Isba, who leads the clinic, told the BBC that children are experiencing symptoms such as bedwetting, increased frequency of urination, and pain in their bladders. The damage, termed "ketamine bladder," can affect the entire urinary tract, including the kidneys and ureters. In severe cases, the bladder may require surgical repair or even removal. Some heavy users also report abdominal pain and spasms, referred to as "K cramps."

The drug's low cost and the small amount needed to achieve an effect contribute to its accessibility. Ketamine is reportedly becoming the third most popular recreational drug among young people in the UK, following cannabis and alcohol.

Observations from the clinic indicate a concerning trend: of the first 60 young patients seen, 43 were girls. The drug's abuse is prevalent in school settings, making it difficult for affected children to quit, especially if their peers continue to use it. Many of these young individuals are unable to attend school due to their health issues or other circumstances, such as pre-existing conditions like ADHD or involvement in the care system.

While stopping ketamine use can help alleviate symptoms, the damage can sometimes be irreversible. According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, approximately three out of every 10 frequent ketamine users develop bladder issues. The drug's classification is a subject of debate, with calls to reclassify it as a Class A drug, similar to cocaine and heroin. However, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has recommended it remain a Class B controlled substance.

Professor Isba highlighted disparities in accessing treatment services for young people. She noted that while 18-year-olds might be offered inpatient detoxification, similar facilities are not available for those under 16, leaving some children who are ready to stop using the drug without the necessary support.