Ketamine, an animal tranquilizer, can cause bladder damage over time when used recreationally by people, according to a recent report published in the journal Addiction. The report was carried out on behalf of an English committee on drugs and looked at the effects of regular use of ketamine.
Ketamine is sold in either liquid or powder form. It can be sniffed, swallowed or injected and produces hallucinations, and a sense of being separated from one's body in addition to a lack of pain and euphoria. Ketamine is a popular "club drug" along with Ecstasy, and is sometimes used as a "date rape" drug because of its effect on short-term memory. In recent years, the price of ketamine has dropped 50% in England.
The Addiction report reviewed the last 11 years of research on ketamine and analyzed the data. It found that not only is ketamine addictive, but that frequent use leads to a condition known as "K-bladder," more properly identified as ulcerative cystitis, which can damage bladders to the point where they have to be surgically removed.
“Young people should be made aware of the long term physical risks of using ketamine," wrote the researchers, "Ulcerative cystitis and loss of bladder control do not mesh well with desirable images of being young and attractive."
