NHS sets up Scotland's first clinic to treat shocking rise in teen victims of ketamine

By ANDY BEAVEN, NEWS AND FEATURE WRITER Published: 20:04, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 20:04, 18 July 2026 Doctors have set up Scotland’s first specialist clinic to treat the alarming numbers of young people who have severely damaged their bodies with ketamine. And with a ‘significant spike’ in teenagers using the dangerous and illegal drug, similar clinics could soon be established throughout the country. Experts warn that while some youngsters are taking ketamine recreationally, others use it as a form of self-medication for anxiety and depression. Unknown to many users, however, the psychoactive drug can also wreak havoc on the bladder and urinary tract – leading to excruciating abdominal pain and incontinence. The awful side effects have only started to emerge as ketamine abuse has become more common in recent years. In the worst cases, users need to have their damaged bladders surgically removed. To treat the rising numbers of patients aged 16-24 with drug-related symptoms, NHS Grampian has just opened a clinic dedicated to ‘ketamine bladder’. The health board has also set up an out-reach programme in schools, with specialist urology nurses heading into classrooms to warn pupils about the physical dangers. Similar measures could soon be rolled out elsewhere as the country’s drugs minister urges other health boards to follow Grampian’s example.  Consultant urologist Justine Royle, who set up the clinic at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said: ‘We are seeing an increase in people with ketamine- related harm. Consultant urologist Justine Royle set up the clinic at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Ellie Wight was hospitalised due to the effects of ketamine on her bladder Ketamine was developed as a medical and veterinary anaesthetic in the 1960s ‘The very serious consequences of ketamine usage in terms of bladder, kidney and liver damage need to be urgently communicated to our young people so they can make informed choices about this dangerous and damaging drug.’ Developed as a medical and veterinary anaesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine is swallowed as a clear liquid or snorted as a powder and combines a strong sedative effect with powerful hallucinations. Dr Tara Shivaji, head of the drugs team at Public Health Scotland, warned that many young people consider the Class B drug available, affordable and safe. ‘For some, it’s a recreational drug like ecstasy. If they’re at a party, it can enhance the sensation of the music and the lights, and give an out-of-body feeling. Others are self-medicating for mental health problems and feel it helps them with anxiety or symptoms of depression,’ she said. ‘They say it’s readily available through the internet and their phones, with the drugs advertised and sold on TikTok and Snapchat. They also say ketamine is cheaper than alcohol, for the same effect. ‘Worryingly, it’s also perceived as not having the same risks as other drugs like heroin or cocaine.’ Ellie Wight had to be treated in hospital as a result of her previous ketamine use The new clinic has opened at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Symptoms include falling into a ‘k-hole’ – a deep trance-like state where users feel completely detached from reality, unable to move or respond. Doctors are now noticing regular users suffering long-lasting physical problems too. Dr Shivaji said: ‘Young people in their teens and mid-20s are developing painful and inflamed bladders. They need to go to the toilet more frequently, with a sense of urgency that quickly turns into incontinence. ‘They’re also suffering really severe abdominal pains, known as k-cramps.’ Urologist Ms Royle added: ‘Early symptoms appear similar to a urinary tract infection. For some, it causes incontinence or the need to pee lots, for others it stops the bladder working. ‘In extreme cases, removing the bladder through major surgery is the best course of action.’ Ellie Wight, from Aberdeenshire, started taking ketamine when she was 18. She said: ‘It was cheap and easy to get hold of and it gave an out-of-body feeling that meant I had no thoughts, no worries, no troubles.’ But she soon began to experience the physical problems which are increasingly common among young ketamine users. She recalled: ‘I’d no idea it could happen – but ketamine was damaging my bladder. It was so sore and uncomfortable. ‘The urgency was unbearable – needing to rush to the toilet all the time. Sometimes I was sitting in the car, stuck in traffic, and I wouldn’t make it in time. It was really undignified.’ Doctors explained that her bladder had become scarred and fibrous. While a healthy bladder can usually hold up to 500ml, hers had shrunk and could only hold 50-100ml.  Botox was injected into her bladder wall – as a way of relaxing the muscle and reducing the urgency. Next month she is signed up for another procedure where water will be pumped into her bladder to try and expand it. These days Ellie works as a sales assistant and runs her own beauty business. Now drug-free, the 24-year-old recently walked the West Highland Way to raise money for support charities – including the Safe Space Ketamine Recovery group which she set up to help young people in the North-East. She said: ‘I wish I’d never taken ketamine. It’s a horrible drug with devastating effects. It’s good that clinics are being set up – and that young people in schools are being taught how damaging it can be.’ Drugs minister Maree Todd called on other health boards to mirror NHS Grampian by introducing clinics for ‘ketamine bladder’. She said: ‘I welcome the Aberdeen initiative which is an approach ministers would encourage all areas to consider, given the risks and harms.’