Surge in Ketamine Addiction Among UK Teenagers Leads to First Specialist Clinic

Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool has established the UK's first specialist clinic for young people suffering from bladder issues related to ketamine addiction. This initiative comes in response to a notable increase in urology problems among adolescents, with many patients reporting severe symptoms such as bedwetting and the use of incontinence pads. Harriet Corbett, a consultant paediatric urologist at the clinic, highlighted that some teenagers resort to urinating in buckets due to the urgency of their condition. Most patients are aged 14 to 15, with many having used ketamine for one to two years, indicating that some may begin using the drug as early as age 12.

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Excessive ketamine use can lead to significant bladder damage, as the drug and its metabolites linger in the bladder, causing inflammation and a reduction in bladder size. This can result in extreme cases where surgical intervention, including bladder removal, may be necessary. Corbett emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to prevent long-term medical complications for these young individuals.

The Guardian

The clinic was established after a gradual increase in cases, beginning with a few instances in 2023, escalating to a significant rise in 2025. Corbett noted that the situation has gained attention, stating, “It’s on everyone’s radar now because it’s snowballed; it’s gone a bit crazy.” The clinic merges Corbett's expertise in paediatric urology with Prof. Rachel Isba's knowledge of addiction treatment, aiming to provide comprehensive care and rehabilitation referrals for affected youths.

The Guardian

The reasons behind the surge in ketamine use among teenagers remain unclear. Isba suggested that some young people initially use the drug socially but may develop an addiction that leads to solitary use at home. Many patients report experiencing childhood trauma and exhibit neurodivergent traits, particularly ADHD. Isba noted that teenagers often perceive ketamine as a means to escape their overwhelming thoughts, stating, “Ket is great, it’s a break from your busy brain or just a bit of a rest.”

The Guardian

Additionally, a troubling trend has emerged where some adolescents use ketamine to alleviate pain associated with their bladder issues, creating a harmful cycle of dependency. Corbett remarked that for some, ketamine becomes the only effective pain relief, leading to a downward spiral of addiction.

The Guardian

Medical professionals at the clinic are advocating for increased awareness regarding the risks of ketamine use among young people. Corbett stressed the need for early intervention, stating, “We need to shout loudly about this because if we can encourage them to stop using, that will potentially save themselves a miserable life of medical interventions.”

The Guardian

While a 2023 NHS England survey indicated that 0.9% of 15-year-olds had used ketamine, up from 0.4% in 2013, there are concerns that actual usage rates may be higher than reported. Experts believe that many young individuals may be experiencing symptoms related to ketamine use without making the connection, suggesting a gap in understanding the full extent of the issue.

The Guardian

• “Some of our patients start wetting the bed or find going to the bathroom at night is actually too hard, so they’ll either choose incontinence products or a bucket by the bed,” — Harriet Corbett, Consultant Paediatric Urologist

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• “What we hear from the kids is: ket is great, it’s a break from your busy brain or just a bit of a rest,” — Prof. Rachel Isba, Consultant in Paediatric Public Health Medicine

The Guardian

• “Corbett said: “When they get bad bladder pain, for some of the only pain relief they find that is helpful is ketamine.” — Harriet Corbett, Consultant Paediatric Urologist

The Guardian