A shocking revelation has emerged from the UK's first dedicated ketamine clinic, highlighting a hidden crisis among teenagers. The impact of ketamine addiction on young lives is devastating, with some resorting to desperate measures just to get through the night.
At Alder Hey children's hospital in Liverpool, medics have opened a specialized clinic to address a surge in urology issues linked to ketamine addiction. The clinic's consultant paediatric urologist, Harriet Corbett, paints a grim picture: "Some of our patients start wetting the bed or find going to the bathroom at night is actually too difficult, so they opt for incontinence products or a bucket by the bed. It's a sad reality."
But here's where it gets controversial: excessive ketamine use can lead to bladder problems due to the drug's prolonged presence in the bladder, causing damage to its lining and muscle tissue. This results in inflammation and a decreased bladder size, leading to frequent and urgent urination. In severe cases, it can even result in the need for bladder removal or kidney issues.
Corbett emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, "We need to raise awareness because if we can encourage them to stop using ketamine, we might just save them from a life of medical interventions. There's a point of no return."
The data on ketamine use among young people in the UK is scarce. A 2023 NHS England survey of over 13,000 students found that 0.9% of 15-year-olds had used ketamine, up from 0.4% in 2013, and 11% had been offered the drug. However, medical professionals suspect the numbers are higher than reported.
Prof. Rachel Isba, who runs the clinic with Corbett, adds, "There are likely many more children and young people experiencing bladder symptoms or non-specific tummy pain due to ketamine use, but the connection needs to be made. We need to specifically ask about ketamine use, but most GPs and paediatricians in the UK have never encountered a child using ketamine."
The clinic was established in response to a growing number of cases, starting as a "slow trickle" in 2023, then escalating in 2025. Corbett notes, "The numbers were increasing, and I began to realize this could be a significant problem. It's on everyone's radar now because it's grown exponentially."
The clinic combines Corbett's expertise in pediatric bladder issues with Isba's knowledge of addiction and rehabilitation. The reasons behind the surge in ketamine use are unclear, but Isba suggests young people may start socially and become addicted, using it at home. Many patients have experienced childhood trauma and have some form of neurodivergence, particularly ADHD.
Isba explains, "What we hear from the kids is that ketamine provides a break from their busy minds or just a rest. They want to belong and feel pressured to participate. We've heard stories of young people changing their daily routines to avoid exposure to others using ketamine."
And this is the part most people miss: some children are using ketamine to ease the pain caused by their bladder problems. Corbett says, "When they experience severe bladder pain, for some, the only effective pain relief they find is ketamine. It's a vicious cycle."
This crisis underscores the urgent need for awareness, education, and support for young people struggling with ketamine addiction. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think enough is being done to address the rising ketamine use among teenagers? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below.
