Long-term health impacts of taking ketamine after two women left with serious bladder problems

Ketamine use has reached record levels in the UK, prompting the government to consider reclassifying the drug as a Class A substance.

Nearly 300,000 people between the ages of 16 and 59 reported use of ketamine in the year up to March 2023, the Home Office said.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson has sought advice on upgrading the classification of the drug from a Class B from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

She said she would 'carefully consider' the findings of independent experts who are assessing the evidence of the health and social harms it has.

A host of Brits have been bravely sharing horror stories about the impacts ketamine abuse has had on their bodies, while urging others to steer clear.

One 25-year-old woman who was spending £1,000 on the drug every month revealed her bladder has shrunk to 'the size of a shot glass', leaving her going to the toilet '50 plus times a day'.

A man who was using up to 36g of ketamine a day also told of the 'embarrassing' effects it had on his health, as he explained: "I nearly lost my bladder. My kidneys and my liver almost packed in."

And a UK mum has spoken out about how she needs a new bladder at the age of 27 as her ketamine use has left her 'fully incontinent', causing her to 'wet the bed every single night'.

Amber Currah, who is unable to work or lead a normal life due to her condition, said: "Ketamine ruined my life."

Amber Currah needs a new bladder due to the damage ketamine has done to her body (Kennedy News and Media)

A host of stars have also faced battles with the drug, such as the late Matthew Perry and Drag Race star The Vivienne. The drug was listed as a contributory factor in both of their deaths.

Health experts have long warned about the havoc ketamine can wreak on people's lives, as the powerful anaesthetic drug can leave lasting damage on your organs.

According to the Priory Group, these physical and mental impacts can be 'severe' and can result in a deterioration of a user's 'quality of life'.

What damage can Ketamine cause users?

Experts at the UK mental health care provider warn that the highly addictive substance can damage the nasal passageways and sinus cavities for those who ingest it via the nose.

This can also impair your sense of smell, while destroying the structure of your nose too, whereas injecting ketamine can harm your veins, muscles, skin and internal organs.

Skin infections, infectious diseases and even an infection of the heart valves can be a consequence of this, the Priory Group states.

The kidney and liver also take a serious beating during chronic ketamine use, which can also lead to urinary tract and bladder problems.

It explains: "Chronic ketamine use can have a devastating impact on the bladder, leading to a condition known as ketamine-associated cystitis.

"This condition can cause frequent and urgent urination, pelvic pain, and a burning sensation when passing urine.

A lot of users experience bladder problems as a result of taking the drug (Getty Stock Photo)

"Over time, these symptoms can worsen, resulting in a significantly reduced bladder capacity, where even small amounts of urine trigger an intense need to urinate.

"This is caused by chronic inflammation and scarring of the bladder wall (fibrosis). Some people may also experience blood in their urine or struggle with incontinence, which can severely disrupt daily life."

This problem can cause further issues in the body if it is left untreated, while severe cases can lead to the complete loss of a person's bladder function.

Users are also gambling with the risk of an increased heart rate, seizures, high blood pressure and respiratory issues when taking ketamine.

"Ketamine abuse can stop a person from being able to function normally, and even lead to organ failure, heart attacks and death in some circumstances," the Priory said.

And that's not to mention all of the horrid side effects abusing this drug can have on your mental health, with experts warning that chronic abuse can lead to 'irreversible psychological impairment'.

People may experience dissociation, memory loss, confusion, paranoia, mood swings and a shorter attention span, while ketamine can also 'lead to problems with flashbacks, and trigger psychosis and schizophrenia in people who are predisposed to these mental health conditions'.

To kickstart the recovery process and prevent any further damage to your health, stopping using the drug and seeking professional advice is the best way to go.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.