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Teens' Bladders Damaged by Ketamine Abuse
23 Sep
Summary
- UK youth clinic treats children as young as 13 for ketamine-induced bladder damage.
- The condition can lead to severe pain, incontinence, and even dialysis.
- Most affected patients are girls from deprived areas with trauma history.
A new specialist clinic in Liverpool is addressing a significant rise in severe bladder problems among UK youth, directly linked to ketamine addiction. This first-of-its-kind clinic at Alder Hey children's hospital has treated patients as young as 13, with data showing a majority are girls from deprived areas. The drug's prolonged presence in the bladder can cause irreversible damage, leading to chronic pain, frequent urination, and incontinence.
Analysis of the clinic's initial patients highlights the severe consequences, with some requiring incontinence pads and others facing potential surgery or dialysis for extreme cases. Doctors are observing an increase in such referrals, underscoring the preventable nature of this health crisis. Understanding the wider context of these young people's lives is crucial for effective support and prevention strategies.
Researchers from Alder Hey and Lancaster University found the average age of patients was 14, with two-thirds being girls from impoverished areas. Notably, many had co-occurring conditions like autism or ADHD, had experienced childhood trauma, or were involved with the care system. The clinic offers a safe, non-judgmental environment to help young individuals confront their ketamine use and mitigate further health deterioration.
