Health professionals warn of life-changing impact of ketamine misuse on young people

5 March 2026

Health professionals are working proactively to educate young people about the serious and potentially life-changing health consequences of ketamine misuse, ensuring they have clear, factual information about the risks associated with the drug.

Specialist staff recently joined North Wales Police and partner agencies at a ‘Be smart, don’t start’ educational event at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi aimed at highlighting the physical and psychological risks associated with ketamine use. The session brought together professionals from stoma care, dental services, CAMHS and paediatrics to give young people a clear and honest picture of the potential harm.

Ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic used safely in controlled medical settings, can cause significant damage when misused. Clinicians from across the UK are increasingly seeing young people presenting with severe bladder dysfunction, chronic pain, kidney problems, mental health deterioration and, in some cases, the need for major surgery.

During the event of around 250 young people aged between 13-16 years old, clinicians explained that repeated ketamine use can cause inflammation and scarring of the bladder, sometimes referred to as “ketamine bladder”, which can lead to extreme pain, incontinence, bleeding and permanent loss of bladder function.

Stoma Nurses Sharon Thomas and Ann Hart spoke candidly with students about the realities of living with a stoma and how substance misuse can ultimately lead to major surgical intervention.

Sharon said: “I really enjoyed attending and speaking to the young people. It was important to have open and honest conversations about the dangers of ketamine and the very real consequences it can have.

“If sharing this information helps even one young person stop and think before taking something that could change their life forever, then it’s absolutely worth it.”

The session also included input from dental colleagues, who discussed the impact of drug misuse on oral health, CAMHS professionals who highlighted the mental health risks and vulnerability factors, and paediatric staff who spoke about the wider health implications for adolescents.

Deputy Head of Nursing for Surgery and Anaesthetics, Ann McIntosh, praised the team’s commitment to prevention work.

She said: “I am incredibly proud of our stoma nurses, colleagues and partner agencies who went the extra mile to deliver this powerful and impactful session. Preventing harm is just as important as treating it, and taking our expertise into the community to educate young people demonstrates real leadership and compassion.

“These conversations are not always easy, but they are vital.”

Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall said: “Using ketamine can seriously harm your health and people who are considering taking it, especially young people and teenagers, may use it without understanding the consequences.

“We will continue to act on intelligence against those involved in the supply of ketamine and will robustly pursue and bring individuals to justice to stop young people from being targeted.”

Deputy Headteacher and Safeguarding lead for Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Stella Dennis-Bunting, added: “We are committed to ensuring our pupils are informed, safe and supported.

“Hosting the ‘Be Smart, Don’t Start’ event gave our students the opportunity to learn about the real dangers of ketamine in an open and engaging way.

“We are grateful to all partners who helped deliver such an important message and provide clear pathways to support.”