With rates of ketamine use rising among teens, it’s become more important than ever to know what the signs of ketamine use in teens are.
In fact, figures released by the UK government show a 231% increase in the use of Ketamine among young people aged 16 to 24 years old. As a parent, you only want the best for your child – it starts with being aware of what to look out for.
To help you spot the signs of ketamine use, we’ll explore the long and short-term symptoms, how it impacts their growth, and what to do if your teen is taking ketamine.
The best way to help your teen with ketamine use is to know what signs you need to look out for.
As a strong dissociative general anaesthetic, there are a range of ways it can affect a young person taking the drug, both in the short and long term. Keep reading for the signs of ketamine use in teens to look out for.
It’s a common misconception that drugs can only affect your health with prolonged use. Ketamine can start to wreak havoc on the body and mind after just its first use.
Effects range from physical symptoms such as nausea to mental changes with brain fog or even hallucinations. Common signs of short-term ketamine use to be aware of include:
Ketamine use can start to affect the bladder, causing issues with incontinence. As ketamine is used more and more, the damage becomes increasingly severe.
Using ketamine for longer periods of time can have life-changing effects on the body and mind, including symptoms like:
One long-term sign of ketamine use currently on the rise is known as ‘ketamine bladder’. A debilitating condition, it causes the bladder to shrink, leading to severe issues with incontinence.
Other effects of the ketamine bladder include pelvic cramps, burning sensations when you pee, bladder ulcers, and blood clots.
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Yes, recreational use of ketamine is dangerous for teens. While it’s dangerous for anyone to use the drug, it’s particularly damaging to teens, as they’re in their developmental years.
Studies show ketamine can affect the developing brain, leading to issues with memory, concentration, and judgment later in life. It’s common to experience blank spots when trying to recall conversations from the time they were high on the substance as well.
It’s not just neurological issues ketamine can cause, as it can also impact the body, too. The bladder, kidney, liver, and urinary tract are all at risk of severe damage from excessive use of ketamine, with ketamine bladder being a particular concern.
While not everyone becomes addicted to ketamine, as with any drug, you do risk addiction when taking it. In fact, data from the UK government shows over 5,000 people entered treatment for ketamine in 2024/25.
Updated government data shows that ketamine use within the 16 to 24-year-old age group has increased 230% from 2012/13 to 2023/14. When you know the dangers of the substance, it can be difficult to understand why there’s been such an uptick in its use.
Numerous factors are likely responsible, ranging from social and cultural trends to financial reasons. Some reasons that could explain the rise in ketamine use include:
When you’re a parent, knowing what to do when your teen is taking ketamine can feel like an impossible task. However, there are steps you can take to ensure their safety.
First of all, try to remain as calm as possible as you go about this. We know that may be easier said than done, but approaching this with care is crucial for the right outcome.
While not every teen using ketamine will face addiction, it’s important to get help as soon as possible if your teen is addicted to the substance.
If your teen has trouble breathing, seems confused, is hallucinating, or experiences chest pain after using ketamine, call 999 or take them to A&E.
Gladstones Clinic provides luxury, bespoke, and executive rehab to clients with the highest expectations. Contact us to discuss your needs.
When your teenager is going through addiction, we know all you want to do is support their recovery – we’re here to help you do exactly that.
With over 15 years of experience in treating mental health and substance addictions, we’re here to help them regain control of their life. We have a team of specialists on hand to look after them, providing therapy, treatment, and personalised care to get them back on track.
Addiction can be scary, but we’re right by your side every step of the way. No judgment, just real, honest care.
Get in touch with us today to discuss our ketamine addiction rehab services. You can reach us on 0808 168 2433 or send an email to help@gladstonesclinic.com. Alternatively, fill out our contact form, and we’ll call you back.
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If you are in crisis and require urgent help, please call us directly on 0808 168 2433.
