Non-prescribed ketamine use in under-16s and why it is a bad idea

Hankinson, Mia and Brewster, Liz and Isba, Rachel (2026) Non-prescribed ketamine use in under-16s and why it is a bad idea. Paediatrics and Child Health. (In Press)

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Abstract

The number of children and young people seeking support from drug and alcohol services in the UK to overcome issues with non-prescribed ketamine use have recently increased substantially. Ketamine, an anaesthetic drug causing feelings of detachment, has become an attractive option for experimentation with substances as it is affordable and accessible. The average age of first ketamine use has been reported as 16-17-years-old, but evidence suggests a downward trend in age of first use. Ketamine can have gastrointestinal and urological consequences, including chronic, ketamine-associated uropathy known colloquially as “ket bladder”. Accidents are also more common with ketamine use, given its dissociative effects. Supporting ketamine cessation is complex, as there are no recognized detoxification programmes for under-16s in the UK. Paediatricians need an awareness of how to appropriately manage conversations about drug use and play a vital role in supporting access to drug and alcohol services and this short article outlines what healthcare professionals working with children and young people need to know about the harms, the strategies for prevention and how to signpost to appropriate services.