UK Clinic Finds Ketamine-Related Bladder Issues in Teens as Young as 13

A UK specialist bladder clinic has reported that non‑prescribed ketamine use may begin as early as 13 years old. The findings were presented in a clinical letter published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlighting the growing concern over early adolescent exposure to the drug.

The clinic, which focuses on treating bladder disorders linked to ketamine misuse, analysed patient data that revealed a significant number of young users initiating recreational use before their teenage years. The research underscores the link between early ketamine consumption and the development of severe urinary tract complications, a pattern that has prompted calls for heightened monitoring of at‑risk youth.

These results suggest a need for earlier intervention and targeted prevention strategies. Continued surveillance and research will be essential to better understand the drivers of adolescent ketamine use and to develop effective measures to protect young people from its harmful health consequences.