Children with Ketamine-Induced Bladder Damage Describe ‘Peeing a Jellyfish’

Children as young as 13 are suffering severe bladder damage from prolonged ketamine use, according to medical staff at the United Kingdom’s first dedicated NHS clinic for the condition. Doctors at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool reported more than 100 referrals since the facility opened last May, with patients describing symptoms that include shedding pieces of the bladder lining, which they compare to “peeing a jellyfish.”

Ketamine is a general anaesthetic commonly found as a white or pale-brown grainy powder, which users typically inhale or inject. While it produces dream-like and relaxed states, long-term abuse can lead to incontinence, kidney failure, and extreme pain during urination. Professor Rachel Isba, who runs the clinic, noted that some patients describe the sensation as equivalent to urinating over broken glass.

The issue has created a vicious cycle dubbed the “K loop,” where children use the drug to alleviate the very pain it causes. Because ketamine is a potent analgesic, users may continue taking it to manage discomfort, further worsening their bladder health. The drug is widely available at “pocket-money” prices, making it accessible to young people, particularly those with underlying emotional trauma who say it helps quiet their minds.

Data from the clinic highlights a sharp rise in cases: doctors saw only one young patient in 2023 and nine in 2024, followed by a rapid escalation in 2025. Of the first 60 patients treated, 43 were female. Referrals arrive weekly from general practitioners and emergency departments across Cheshire, Merseyside, and surrounding areas.

Ketamine bladder syndrome affects the entire urinary tract, including the kidneys and ureters. Symptoms range from urgent, frequent, and painful urination to blood-stained urine. In severe cases, surgical repair or even removal of the bladder may be necessary. Some users also report abdominal pain and spasms known as “K cramps.” While liver damage has been reported among heavy users, it is often difficult to isolate from the effects of other substances like alcohol and street drugs.

According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, approximately three in ten frequent ketamine users develop bladder issues, though some damage can be reversed if drug use stops. Despite these risks, there have been calls to reclassify ketamine as a Class A drug, similar to cocaine and heroin. However, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recently recommended that it remain a Class B substance.

Professor Isba highlighted disparities in care access, noting that children under 16 are denied inpatient detoxification stays that would be available to adults. With few specialized facilities for minors, many young people who are ready to quit lack the support systems necessary to recover.