Ketamine's Devastating Effects on Brain, Body, and Bladder | BBC News

Rise in Ketamine Usage

• 📈 Ketamine addiction has more than doubled in England and Wales since 2016, and tripled for those under 25.
• 🐴 Originally a horse tranquilizer, ketamine is also used as an anesthetic for humans and for severe mental illnesses when other treatments fail.
• ⚠️ Misuse of ketamine can lead to catastrophic health impacts, including severe bladder problems and intense pain.

Physical and Mental Health Impacts

• 💧 Approximately one in four ketamine users experience bladder problems, with some losing bladder control entirely.
• 💥 Ketamine bladder can cause the bladder lining to shrink, drastically reducing its holding capacity from 500ml to as little as 20-30ml.
• 😫 K cramps are a severe side effect causing intense stomach pains, often compared to childbirth pain, which can paradoxically be eased by taking more ketamine.
• 🧠 At low recreational doses, ketamine ramps up glutamate production, leading to hallucinations and detachment from reality, and can form new neural connections.
• 🚫 Ketamine is not a licensed treatment for depression in the UK and its long-term effects are unknown.

Ketamine Consumption and Availability

• 🇪🇺 The highest ketamine consumption in Europe was found in wastewater in cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Norway.
• 📈 Ketamine consumption in the UK is estimated to have increased by 85%, with overall availability increasing at least tenfold over the past decade.
• 💰 The drug is relatively cheap due to increased production and easier global transport, making it an attractive alternative to more expensive substances like alcohol.

Reclassification and Recovery

• ⚖️ The UK government is considering reclassifying ketamine from a Class B to a Class A drug, a move debated for its potential deterrent effect versus its impact on addicts seeking help.
• 💔 Deaths related to ketamine, though rare, are increasing, with a rise from 21 in 2019 to 37 in 2022.
• 📱 Recovery journeys are being shared on platforms like TikTok, offering support and hope to those struggling with addiction.
• 🆘 Seeking professional help can involve GPs, but drug charities and mental health organizations may offer more specialized support for ketamine addiction and its psychological impacts.