Child ketamine users getting bladder damage describe 'peeing a jellyfish'

Children as young as thirteen are facing bladder damage from ketamine use, according to doctors at the UK's sole NHS clinic specializing in this condition. At Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, over a hundred patients have been referred since the clinic's inception in May of last year. Some of these young patients describe an alarming sensation of peeing a jellyfish, a result of the drug causing shedding of the bladder's protective lining.

If this damage persists, it can lead to incontinence, uncontrolled urination, or even kidney failure. Many of these children had been using ketamine for a year or more, some starting as young as twelve.

Ketamine, sold at very low prices, is often used to help children "shush" or quieten their brains, providing a dream-like and detached feeling. However, this general anaesthetic drug also reduces sensations in the body, leading to painful bladder issues. Some children experience bedwetting, frequent and urgent trips to the toilet, and painful bladder sensations likened to "weeing over broken glass." In an unfortunate cycle, some children use ketamine to alleviate this pain, exacerbating the bladder damage.

Despite its potential for harm, ketamine remains a relatively inexpensive drug, making it accessible for many children. Social pressures can also contribute to continued use, as some children feel compelled to join their peers. The clinic sees an increasing number of referrals each year, with 2025 seeing a rapid escalation of cases.

While stopping ketamine use can help, severe damage may require surgical intervention or even removal of the bladder. Other health issues, such as abdominal pain and spasms, can also arise. While cannabis and alcohol remain more popular among young users, ketamine is likely gaining traction.

Health experts acknowledge that about one-third of frequent ketamine users experience bladder problems. While some reversibility is possible if drug use ceases, the UK lacks the necessary facilities for inpatient detoxification for children under sixteen. This has raised concerns about the lack of appropriate treatment options for these young patients.