Teens' Bladders Destroyed by Ketamine: UK Doctors Warn

Children as young as 13 are suffering devastating ketamine bladder damage, according to UK doctors. The UK's sole dedicated NHS clinic, opened in May 2025 at Alder Hey Hospital, has treated over 100 patients, many of whom began using the drug around age 12. These young individuals describe symptoms such as urinating "jellyfish" – the shedding of the bladder's protective lining – and excruciating pain akin to "peeing over broken glass."

The consequences of prolonged ketamine abuse can be severe, including incontinence, uncontrolled urination, and even kidney failure. Some patients develop a "K loop," where they use ketamine to alleviate the very pain it causes, creating a vicious cycle. The drug's low cost and easy accessibility contribute to its widespread use among young people.

Ketamine abuse among children and adolescents in the UK has seen a marked increase. Referrals to the Alder Hey clinic, which receives approximately one per week, have escalated rapidly. Of the first 60 patients seen, 43 were girls. "Ketamine bladder" can affect the entire urinary tract, and while stopping drug use can sometimes reverse damage, severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Calls to reclassify ketamine as a Class A drug persist, though official recommendations suggest it remain Class B. Doctors emphasize that children, particularly those under 16, face disadvantages in accessing necessary detox services, a situation they deem unfair for those ready to quit. Many children at the clinic also report trying other substances and experiencing difficulties attending education due to their drug use and related health issues.