The new campaign is aimed at young people and raises awareness of the severe concequences
The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a stark warning to people born in certain years. The eye-opening alert comes as the government has launched a new campaign to make young people aware of the dangers of drugs – including ketamine, counterfeit medicines and adulterated THC vapes
They are being warned that they risk irreparable bladder damage, poisoning and even death if they take ketamine, synthetic opioids or deliberately contaminated THC vapes as part of the new anti-drugs campaign. Launching today, October 16, the campaign targets people born between 2001 and 2009.
It is also aimed at social media users, following a worrying rise in the number of young people being harmed by drugs. There has been an eightfold increase in the number of people requiring treatment for ketamine since 2015.
The campaign is supported by a £310 million investment in drug treatment services. It is also part of the government’s Plan for Change mission to “create safer streets” by reducing serious harm and protecting communities from emerging drug threats.
Commenting on the new campaign, Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Young people don’t always realise the decision to take drugs such as ketamine can have profound effects. It can destroy your bladder and even end your life.
FRANK warns young people about the deadly risks of taking drugs
“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.”
Resources will be available for schools and universities and local public health teams, with content available on FRANK, the drug information website. As part of the campaign, experts will highlight particular 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 irreparable bladder damage?
The misuse of ketamine is widely recognised for causing serious and possibly irreversible damage to the bladder, a condition commonly referred to as “ketamine-induced cystitis” or “ketamine bladder”. This issue is especially common among regular, heavy recreational users, although even infrequent use can result in complications.
Prolonged usage can also cause cognitive decline, memory issues, and severe mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Long-term use may result in bladder complications, known as ketamine bladder syndrome, which can severely damage the urinary tract and potentially necessitate surgical intervention.
Speaking in an episode of the podcast show, ‘Altered Attitudes’, Jack, who struggled for years on ketamine 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 UK law, making it illegal to possess, distribute or sell. If found in possession of the drug, people could face up to five years in prison, a substantial fine, or both. Symptoms can range from mild 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.
What drugs do people need to be aware of?
There are growing concerns about novel synthetic opioids, particularly nitazenes, which are increasingly appearing in counterfeit medicines sold through illegitimate online sources. Users purchasing these products are typically younger and more drug-naïve. Reports of harms from THC vapes have also increased, with many products containing synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as ‘spice’) that have higher potency and unpredictable effects.
Katy Porter, CEO, The Loop, said: “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 deaths reached 5,448 in England and Wales in 2023, the highest number since records began in 1993. The campaign emphasises that while complete safety requires avoiding drug use altogether, those who may still use substances should be aware of the risks and know how to access help and support.
The campaign underlines that ketamine’s medical applications do not make illicit use safe. Urologists are becoming increasingly concerned about young people presenting with severe bladder problems from 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 information on accessing help and support for those experiencing drug-related problems or mental health issues.
This year, the Department of Health and Social Care is also providing £310 million in additional targeted grants to improve 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 call the FRANK helpline on 0300 123 6600.