Teens as young as 13 referred for ketamine-linked bladder problems at UK clinic
Non-prescribed ketamine use may start at age 13, data from a UK clinic dedicated to treating bladder problems associated with misuse of the drug suggest. The findings were published in a clinical letter in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
A UK clinic specialized in treating bladder issues linked to the misuse of ketamine has reported a concerning trend: teens as young as 13 are being referred for related health problems. The KIU (ketamine induced uropathy) clinic at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool began operations in May 2025 due to a sharp increase in referrals from under-16s suffering from the progressive urinary tract condition.
An analysis of the first 60 patients admitted to the clinic revealed an average age of 14, ranging from 13 to 15 years old. Notably, 43 of the referrals were girls, and a significant portion lived in the most deprived neighborhoods (IMD quintile 1). Sixteen of the referred teens had autism or ADHD, or both, and nearly three-quarters (72%) had experienced childhood emotional trauma. One in five had been in contact with the care system.
The average duration of ketamine use prior to referral was 1-2 years, with many patients also using other drugs (50% alcohol, 27% vapes, and 48% other substances). The authors of the study urge the design of services for under-16s who use non-prescribed ketamine to ensure better access, reduce inequalities, and deliver care in a trauma-informed and accessible manner.
The issue of heavy ketamine use is not limited to Liverpool; non-prescribed ketamine use and its adverse effects are rising across the UK, including among under-18s.
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