Children as young as 13 are experiencing serious bladder damage linked to ketamine use, according to recent findings from a specialist clinic in Liverpool. The condition, known as ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) or ketamine bladder, causes severe symptoms such as frequent urination, incontinence, blood in the urine, and chronic bladder pain. In the most severe cases, it can lead to irreversible damage requiring major surgery or dialysis.

The UK’s first dedicated clinic for KIU opened in May 2025 at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in response to an increasing number of young patients presenting with these symptoms. A study analyzing the first 60 patients referred to the clinic found their average age to be 14, with an age range from 13 to 15. The majority were girls, and most came from deprived areas. Approximately 20 percent had experience with the care system, and 16 of the patients had diagnoses of autism or ADHD. Nearly three-quarters reported experiencing emotional trauma during childhood.

Researchers noted that half of the patients also used other drugs alongside ketamine, while 27 percent consumed alcohol and 48 percent used vaping products. Experts pointed out that the accessibility and relatively low cost of ketamine — priced between £15 and £30 per gram — may contribute to its use among young people.

Harriet Corbett, a consultant paediatric urologist at Alder Hey, emphasized the rising trend of ketamine-related bladder damage in children and teenagers. She highlighted the importance of understanding the individuals affected beyond their medical diagnosis as a step toward preventing further harm. Corbett explained that ketamine causes ulceration and fibrosis of the bladder wall, with damage often irreversible and devastating to patients’ quality of life.

Professor Rachel Isba, consultant in paediatric public health medicine at Alder Hey, described the clinic’s approach as non-judgmental and focused on gaining a broader understanding of the social and environmental factors linked to ketamine use among youth. Isba stated that the analysis sheds light on the relationships between ketamine consumption and aspects such as age, geographic location, and childhood experiences, particularly trauma. This understanding is intended to inform earlier interventions to reduce health risks.

Data from another research group noted an increase in deaths involving ketamine over the past decade, rising from 15 in 2014 to 197 in 2024. Men constituted the majority of these fatalities, accounting for 85 percent between 2020 and 2024. While deaths represent a distinct but related concern, the current clinical focus remains on preventing the serious health consequences observed in young ketamine users.

The findings underline the growing health challenges associated with ketamine use in adolescents and the need for targeted prevention and treatment efforts. Clinicians stress that the situation is preventable with better understanding and timely support for young people at risk.