Many people who take ketamine end up dealing with long-term side effects, one of which involves damage to the bladder. In this blog, we’re letting you know more about ketamine bladder treatment.
Ketamine is a Class B drug in the UK and is still used legally as an anaesthetic and pain-relief medication in medical settings. More recently, it has been used in the nightclubbing scene due to its ability to make people feel dissociated when using it.
Ketamine is a drug that carries significant health risks when used outside medical settings. Ketamine can cause psychological dependence and compulsive patterns of use, particularly with frequent or long-term use.
Many people get into the addiction cycle by trying to maintain the high they feel when taking the drug. Addiction can be very difficult to deal with, not just for the person experiencing it, but for the people around them.
What is ketamine bladder?
Ketamine bladder is a very serious issue that more and more people are facing as a result of excessive ketamine use. It may also be referred to as ketamine cystitis or ketamine uropathy.
It is caused by inflammation in the bladder as a result of the by-product of ketamine (ketamine metabolites). These chemicals are toxic to the bladder’s protective lining, and therefore can cause inflammation, scarring and ulcerations.
In addition to impacting the bladder wall, ketamine bladder syndrome can also cause issues in the tubes which connect the bladder to the kidneys. Some people may go on to experience kidney failure (renal failure) as a result of ketamine use.
What are the signs of ketamine bladder?
Ketamine bladder is not a nice thing to experience, and it is very serious. It often begins gradually and gets worse over time. This highlights the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these urinary symptoms of ketamine bladder, you must seek professional advice as soon as possible.
- Blood in urine
- Painful urination
- Urinary incontinence/reduced bladder capacity
- Needing to go to the toilet more often
- Needing to get up at night to urinate
- Feeling a sense of urgency to urinate
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Chronic bladder pain
Ketamine bladder syndrome may improve if ketamine use is stopped early, but ongoing use can lead to worsening and potentially permanent damage.
What happens when you visit the doctor?
If you are concerned about ketamine bladder syndrome, you might choose to book an appointment with the GP. However, if your symptoms are severe, you may need to seek more urgent care for ketamine associated bladder dysfunction.
The medical team will identify if there is inflammation in your bladder and, if there is, what has caused it, such as heavy or prolonged ketamine use. Some tests for bladder pain may include the following:
- Urine samples (can be used to rule out other issues like urinary tract infections)
- Ultrasounds
- CT scans
- Cystoscopy camera
- Biopsy
What is ketamine bladder treatment?
To reduce the risk of this syndrome getting worse, all ketamine use must stop.
Prolonged ketamine use can lead to irreversible bladder damage, which is why early assessment and cessation are important.
In the very early stages, there is a chance that stopping the recreational drug could improve symptoms or reverse some of them for recreational ketamine users. Over time, this is less likely. Some people may be offered medication to help with pain management and improve bladder function.
In rare and severe cases where other treatments fail, surgical options such as bladder reconstruction or urinary diversion may be considered.
Does ketamine bladder go away?
Outcomes vary depending on how early the condition is diagnosed and whether ketamine use stops. Some people experience significant improvement, while others with advanced disease may have lasting symptoms. Some people will be given pain-relieving medication or need surgery, which will be life-changing.
Seeking help for ketamine use and bladder symptoms
The first thing to do is seek medical advice on your ketamine bladder symptoms. It is crucial that you catch this early and seek the correct treatment for your needs.
Once you have taken care of this step, you may look to start ketamine rehabilitation. Acquiesce is an excellent choice, with a 98% success rate compared to the national average of 60-70%.
We support people with a wide range of addictions, including ketamine addiction. Our holistic treatment enables you to identify triggers and learn more appropriate ways of dealing with them.
We hope this blog has been helpful on how ketamine affects bladder function. Ketamine cessation is the only way to slow damage to the bladder wall and improve functional bladder capacity.
Are you searching for a trusted rehab centre to help you turn your life around? Contact our admissions team today to see how we can help.
