Ketamine Epidemic Ravages UK: Addicts Facing Life-Altering Injuries

The UK is facing a growing ketamine epidemic, with the number of children and young people reporting problems with the drug surpassing cocaine for the first time between 2023 and 2024. The crisis has led to a sharp rise in ketamine-related health issues, straining the country's healthcare system.

Experts warn that the UK is unprepared for the "tidal wave of issues" caused by the surge in ketamine use. Residential drug and alcohol detox facilities like Birchwood on the Wirral are seeing a significant influx of ketamine addicts, many of whom are experiencing severe bladder and kidney problems. Some patients have lost muscle tone, are confined to wheelchairs, and are living with chronic pain.

The article profiles the stories of Nicole and Callum, two individuals whose lives have been upended by their ketamine addictions. Nicole, a 31-year-old mother, turned to the drug as a coping mechanism but now faces the prospect of having her bladder removed due to the damage it has caused. Callum, a 24-year-old from Cheshire, nearly lost his life due to his daily ketamine use, which led to multiple organ issues and severe weight loss.

Urologists like Alison Downey at Pinderfields Hospital in West Yorkshire have seen an "explosion" in the number of "ketamine bladder" cases, with the hospital now treating eight or nine patients per month, up from just one or two a few years ago. The drug's impact on the bladder and kidneys is unlike any other substance, causing complex challenges for medical professionals.

As the government considers reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug, experts argue that the focus should be on providing better support and education, rather than solely on punitive measures. With lives being upended and the healthcare system strained, there is an urgent need for a national framework to address the growing ketamine crisis in the UK.