Raising Awareness: The Dangers of Ketamine Abuse
At Youth Unity, we believe it’s vital to raise awareness around the growing issue of ketamine misuse among young people. What was once considered a club drug is now increasingly being used by school-age children, with alarming trends emerging across the UK.
Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anaesthetic that is cheap, widely accessible, and often appealing to young people due to its short-lived effects. However, its impact on the body can be long-lasting and incredibly harmful.
One of the early warning signs of frequent ketamine use is ketamine-induced cystitis, a painful bladder condition that can cause urinary urgency, frequency, and even permanent bladder damage. In more severe cases, ketamine use can lead to abdominal pain, known as “K-cramps,” and serious injury to the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Startling statistics reveal that nearly 1% of primary school children have already experimented with ketamine, and educators are reporting cases of use during school hours, including break times. This reflects just how accessible and normalised this substance is becoming among young people.
If you are a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker, or a young adult yourself, it’s essential to be informed. Recognising the signs of ketamine use early could help prevent long-term damage and support early intervention.
Signs to look out for may include:
Frequent or painful urination
Unexplained abdominal pain
Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour
Memory loss or confusion
Disinterest in school, work, or family life
We urge our community to take this issue seriously. Education and open conversations are key to prevention. If you’re concerned about a young person or would like more information, support, or resources, please get in touch with our team at Youth Unity. We’re here to help.
Together, we can work to keep our young people safe and informed.
