New study launched to assess the support needs of young addicts with ‘Ketamine Bladder’
A growing number of young people in the UK are facing devastating, irreversible bladder damage as a result of their recreational ketamine use. The Urostomy Association is launching a new study to investigate the incidence and impact of ‘Ketamine Bladder’, both on the users themselves, and the services which support them.
Ketamine is increasingly recognised for its toxic impact onto the bladder. The drug, excreted through urine, can cause severe inflammation, scarring and shrinkage of the organ over time. It leaves users in excruciating pain, with minimal urine control, and potentially requiring major surgery to remove or bypass their poisoned bladders.
“This appears to be an emerging and a deeply concerning trend,” says Samantha Sherratt, Transformation Director at the Urostomy Association. “We’re concerned that many ketamine users are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek advice and support early. The result is often late-stage intervention when damage can already be irreversible. We’re hoping this study will uncover the support needs of this younger group, so they feel less isolated, and can restore their quality of life.”
A 2024 study cited by the British Association of Urological Surgeons estimates that over a quarter of regular ketamine users report urinary symptoms, but around half delay seeking treatment for two years or more. Misdiagnoses, stigma and lack of awareness have contributed to young people slipping through the cracks of conventional care pathways.
The new 18-month study will combine quantitative surveys with in-depth interviews to try and map the problem’s scale, and examine existing support systems.
While public health organisations and other charities work to address ketamine misuse at a population level, this study’s focus lies firmly with those who have already reached a critical stage of bladder damage. “Our remit is not in drug prevention or addiction services,” Sherratt explains. “We want to ensure that young people who get to the stage of requiring potentially life-changing surgery, receive appropriate, compassionate and age-relevant support.
“Most resources for bladder diversion surgery were created for older adults with very different life experiences. Young patients require tailored, age-appropriate information and care that considers the huge psychological and social impact of this surgery at a formative stage in their lives”.
The project aims to work collaboratively with specialists to uncover the incidence and impact of Ketamine Bladder, produce practical guidelines for urology and stoma teams, as well as accessible resources for patients. Crucially, the Urostomy Association wants to reduce stigma by amplifying the voices of young people themselves.
July 2025