Children as Young as 13 Referred for Ketamine Bladder
Children as Young as 13 Referred for Ketamine Bladder
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The children had typically been using ketamine for one to two years before being referred to the clinic, indicating that prolonged use may precede diagnosis.
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Among the 60 patients, 27% reported drinking alcohol and 48% reported using vapes, providing additional detail about substance-use patterns in the group.
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Doctors said ketamine and its breakdown products can remain in the bladder for extended periods, damaging the bladder lining and muscle tissue; some affected children reportedly use incontinence pads or urinate in buckets beside their beds.
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Harriet Corbett said the condition can cause bladder-wall ulceration and fibrosis, with effects that may be irreversible and, in the most severe cases, lead to major surgery or dialysis.
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Official government statistics cited in the coverage show that ketamine use among people under 25 has risen by more than 200% since 2016—more than tripling over the period.
Children as young as 13 are being treated at the UK's first specialist clinic for ketamine-induced uropathy, a severe bladder condition that damages the urinary tract and kidneys. Manchester Evening News reported that the first 60 patients at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool had an average age of 14, with about two-thirds being girls. Many had experienced childhood trauma, while some had autism, ADHD, or involvement with the care system.
The condition causes chronic pain, incontinence, and in severe cases, irreversible injury requiring major surgery or dialysis. Devon Live noted that patients typically used ketamine for one to two years before being referred, suggesting prolonged use precedes diagnosis. Government statistics show ketamine use among people under 25 has risen more than 200% since 2016.
How Ketamine Damages Young Bladders
Ketamine and its breakdown products remain in the bladder for extended periods, damaging the bladder lining and muscle tissue. This process causes bladder-wall ulceration and fibrosis — scarring that may be permanent. Some affected children now use incontinence pads or urinate in buckets beside their beds due to the severity of their symptoms.
Most Patients Are Girls From Deprived Areas
About two-thirds of the 60 patients at the specialist clinic were girls. A similar proportion came from the most deprived areas of the UK. Lincolnshire Live reported that many had experienced childhood emotional trauma, indicating a strong link between vulnerability and drug use in this age group.
Substance Use Patterns Reveal Wider Drug Exposure
Among the 60 patients, 27% reported drinking alcohol and 48% reported using vapes, according to Stoke Sentinel. These figures highlight that many young people using ketamine also engage in other forms of substance use. Understanding these patterns is critical for doctors designing tailored support and prevention programs for vulnerable teenagers.
Ketamine Use Among Teens Has Tripled Since 2016
Government statistics show ketamine use among people under 25 has jumped more than 200% since 2016 — more than tripling over the period. Essex Live reported that this sharp rise has created urgent demand for specialist treatment. Doctors warn that early intervention and trauma-informed care are essential to prevent further harm among vulnerable young people already struggling with emotional or social challenges.
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