# Ketamine use and health risks among UK youth > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ketamine-use-and-health-risks-among-uk-youth > Updated: 2026-10-18T23:32:42.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Medical research and public health officials in the UK have identified a significant rise in ketamine use among young people, specifically linked to the development of ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU), or ‘ketamine bladder’. Initial findings from a specialist clinic at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Lancaster University showed that the average age of referred patients is 14, with some as young as 12. The condition causes severe damage to the bladder, urinary tubes, and kidneys, which can lead to irreversible damage, major surgery, or dialysis. Subsequent reports indicate that ketamine use in this demographic rose by 231% between 2013 and 2024. In response, public health initiatives such as Ketamine Awareness Week have been launched by local councils and police forces. These campaigns utilize personal testimonies to warn of the physiological and social consequences of the drug, which include permanent urinary tract damage, memory loss, and potential homelessness. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Ketamine use among young people linked to severe health risks Rising ketamine use among young people is causing severe health issues, including permanent bladder and kidney damage, prompting new awareness campaigns and investigative reports. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ketamine-use-among-young-people-linked-to-severe-health-risks ### 2026-09-21: Alder Hey hospital reports rise in children with ‘ketamine bladder’ UK medical analysis shows a rise in children suffering from ‘ketamine bladder,’ a severe condition causing irreversible urinary damage. Specialist clinics report patients as young as 12 are being affected. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alder-hey-hospital-reports-rise-in-children-with-ketamine-bladder --- Cite as: Ketamine use and health risks among UK youth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ketamine-use-and-health-risks-among-uk-youth