Ketamine Use Linked to Rising Incontinence in Young Adults

Medical experts in the UK are raising alarms about a sharp rise in bladder damage and incontinence linked to chronic ketamine use, particularly among young people. Ketamine, often used recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects, can severely damage the bladder lining, causing it to shrink. This can lead to symptoms like urgency, frequency, pain, infections, and even incontinence—once rare in younger adults.

Hospitals like Southmead in Bristol have set up specialized clinics to address this growing issue, treating patients as young as 19. Urologists are seeing increasing cases of "ketamine bladder," a condition that may require major surgery, which comes with lifelong complications, especially when performed on patients in their early twenties.

One patient, Beth, in her 20s, developed bladder damage so severe that she required surgery. Her addiction to ketamine began in school and was tied to coping with trauma and PTSD. Another former user, Pagan, now a mentor in recovery, underwent surgery and rehab after a 12-year addiction that led to her losing custody of her daughter.

Experts from the British Association of Urological Surgeons are now creating resources to help healthcare workers identify signs of ketamine bladder early. Urology nurse Jasmine King emphasized that their clinics offer non-judgmental support to help people regain control of their health.

This emerging crisis highlights the long-term urological risks of recreational drug use, especially for young men who may suffer from bladder dysfunction and incontinence typically seen in older adults. Early intervention and support are crucial.