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Ketamine's Silent Surge: Young Brits Face Bladder Crisis
2 Apr
Summary
- Ketamine use by 16-24 year olds has quadrupled in a decade.
- Users suffer severe abdominal pain and bladder damage.
- Addiction services report record numbers of young ketamine users.
Ketamine use has seen a dramatic increase among young adults in the UK, with addiction services now reporting unprecedented numbers of young users. Between 2012-13 and 2022-23, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds using ketamine rose from 52,000 to 222,000. This surge is concerning due to the drug's severe health implications.
Users often experience intense abdominal pain, termed 'k cramps,' and significant bladder damage. One individual shared that their bladder was "destroyed" by heavy use, necessitating the use of a sheath catheter. Despite these serious risks, some young people do not fully grasp the long-term health consequences.
Rehabilitation centers are now treating ketamine more frequently than cocaine or heroin, highlighting its rapid growth as a substance of abuse. This trend has prompted some charities to introduce ketamine specialists to better address the rising need for support and intervention.
