The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a stark warning to people born between 2001 and 2009. This urgent alert coincides with the launch of a new government campaign aimed at educating this specific age group about the dangers of drugs, including ketamine, counterfeit medicines, and contaminated THC vapes.

The Health and Social Care Department has issued an urgent advisory directed at individuals born from 2001 to 2009. This warning coincides with the launch of a new government initiative designed to inform this demographic about the perils associated with drugs like ketamine, counterfeit medications, and tainted THC vapes.

Unveiled on October 16, the campaign cautions those aged 16 to 24 about the severe risks posed by these substances, including irreversible bladder damage, poisoning, and the potential for fatal outcomes.

The initiative also focuses on social media platforms, responding to a troubling trend of increasing drug-related harm among young people. Since 2015, there has been an alarming eightfold increase in individuals seeking treatment for ketamine abuse.

Reported by the Mirror, this campaign is bolstered by a £310 million investment in drug treatment services and is a key component of the government’s Plan for Change. This mission aims to “create safer streets” by curtailing significant harm and safeguarding communities from new drug-related threats.

She added: “We’ve seen a worrying rise in people coming to harm from ketamine as well as deliberately contaminated THC vapes and synthetic opioids hidden in fake medicines bought online. Prevention is at the heart of this government’s approach to tackling drugs and this campaign will ensure young people have the facts they need to make informed decisions about their health and safety, so they think twice about putting themselves in danger.”

Schools, universities and local public health teams will be provided with resources, with materials available on FRANK, the drug information website.

As part of the initiative, experts list specific risks, including:

• The potentially irreparable damage that ketamine can cause to your bladder.
• The dangers of counterfeit medicines containing deadly synthetic opioids purchased online.
• The risks from so-called ‘THC vapes’ that often contain dangerous synthetic cannabinoids like spice rather than THC.

Does ketamine cause irreversible bladder damage?

Ketamine misuse is widely recognised for inflicting serious and potentially irreversible harm to the bladder, a condition commonly known as “ketamine-induced cystitis” or “ketamine bladder”.

This issue is especially common amongst regular, heavy recreational users, though even sporadic use can trigger complications. Prolonged usage can additionally cause cognitive deterioration, memory impairment, and serious mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.

Chronic use may lead to bladder complications, referred to as ketamine bladder syndrome, which can severely harm the urinary tract and potentially necessitate surgical treatment.

Speaking on the podcast show ‘Altered Attitudes’, Jack, who fought ketamine addiction for years, recounted his harrowing experience.

He said: “I got told that a normal bladder will hold anything from 400ml to 800-900ml, in the end my bladder’s capacity was 70ml.

“You think your bladder is going to burst. You are bursting to go to the toilet, but you can’t, and all that’s coming out is jelly and blood. If I was experiencing severe consequences at 21 or 22, then people I know who start at 14 will. By the time they reach 17 or 18, before they are even old enough to buy alcohol, they will have no bladder left. And that’s what we are up against.”

Ketamine is categorised as a Class B drug under British law, meaning possession, supply or dealing is a criminal offence. Anyone caught with the substance could face a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

The effects can range from minor to severe and may include:

• Frequent, urgent, and painful urination.
• “K cramps,” which are strong, squeezing pains in the lower abdomen.
• Blood in the urine.
• Bladder pain or pelvic pain that may require strong painkillers.
• Incontinence or difficulty controlling the bladder.
• Frequent nighttime urination.

Long-term ketamine use can cause bladder damage that may become permanent. In extreme cases, scarring can affect the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure and requiring dialysis.

When scarring becomes irreversible, the bladder’s capacity can be drastically reduced. Some individuals, including young adults, have been forced to undergo bladder removal and replacement with a urinary pouch created from a section of their bowel (cystectomy and augmentation).

Ironically, the pain linked to a ketamine bladder can push users to consume more of the drug for self-medication, perpetuating a harmful cycle that worsens the condition.

For certain people experiencing initial symptoms, discontinuing ketamine use can facilitate bladder healing and lead to symptom improvement. The recovery process may take time, and medical assistance is frequently required to alleviate symptoms and discomfort. The most important action is to cease all ketamine consumption immediately upon suspecting a bladder problem.

Which substances should people be worried about?

There are growing concerns regarding novel synthetic opioids, particularly nitazenes, which are increasingly discovered in counterfeit medications sold via dodgy online retailers. Those purchasing these substances are typically younger and less experienced with drugs.

Incidents involving THC vapes have also increased, with numerous products containing synthetic cannabinoids (often called ‘spice’) that possess greater potency and unpredictable consequences.

Katy Porter, CEO of The Loop, stated: “The Loop welcomes the further investment in evidence-based approaches and support to reduce drug-related harm. Providing accurate, non-judgemental information equips and empowers people to make safer choices and can help reduce preventable harms.”

Drug poisoning fatalities reached a record high of 5,448 in England and Wales in 2023, the highest figure since records began in 1993.

The campaign emphasises that whilst total safety necessitates abstaining from drug use entirely, those who may still partake should be aware of the risks and know how to seek help and support. The campaign emphasises that the medical uses of ketamine do not make its illicit use safe.

Urologists are increasingly concerned about young people presenting with severe bladder issues due to recreational ketamine use.

Resources will be distributed to local public health teams, drug and alcohol treatment services, youth services, schools and universities. The campaign provides clear guidance on how to access help and support for those dealing with drug-related problems or mental health concerns.

This year, the Department of Health and Social Care is also providing an additional £310 million in targeted grants to enhance drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in England, including specialist services for children and young people. For information and support on drug-related issues, visit www.talktofrank.com or ring the FRANK helpline on 0300 123 6600.