A 27-year-old mother, Amber Currah, is speaking out about the severe consequences she faces due to her past use of ketamine, a popular drug. Amber shared her story on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, revealing how her addiction to ketamine started at the age of 17 without awareness of the associated risks.
Initially, ketamine provided a sense of calmness and euphoria for Amber. However, unbeknownst to her, the drug was causing irreversible damage to her bladder, leading to scarring and shrinkage. Despite quitting ketamine two years ago, Amber now suffers from chronic pain and incontinence, potentially requiring a bladder transplant.
Amber’s daily life revolves around managing her symptoms, including spending hours in the bath to alleviate the pain. The impact of ketamine on her bladder has been profound, with her bladder covered in scar tissue.
Ketamine, commonly used as an anaesthetic and pain reliever in medicine, is also prevalent in illicit drug use. Recent data indicates a rising trend in ketamine use in England and Wales, with an estimated 299,000 individuals aged 16 to 59 reporting illicit ketamine use in 2024.
The affordability and widespread availability of ketamine contribute to its increasing usage across the UK. Alarmingly, ketamine-related deaths in the UK have surged twenty-fold since 2014, underscoring the dangers associated with the drug.
Reports from coroners in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have highlighted 696 deaths linked to illicit ketamine use between 1999 and 2024. The drug’s lethal potential is exacerbated when combined with other substances.
Chronic ketamine use not only desensitizes users to pain but also damages the bladder lining, as evidenced by Amber’s experience. She emphasizes the pervasive impact of the drug on her daily life and warns others against its use, urging them not to sacrifice their well-being for ketamine.
For individuals struggling with drug addiction, seeking support from a GP or contacting the Frank drugs helpline at 0300 123 6600 is recommended.