### Welsh Man Shares Shocking Impact of Ketamine Addiction: “I Have No Bladder at 24”
A young man from Neath in south Wales is sharing his harrowing journey through ketamine addiction, warning others about the devastating toll the drug has taken on his life and health. At just 24 years of age, Oliver Westall is facing a future without his bladder after spending an estimated £300,000 on the drug, reaching consumption levels of up to 21 grams per day at the height of his dependency.
Oliver’s encounter with ketamine began when he was only a teenager, and what started out as an occasional recreational activity soon escalated into an entrenched addiction. Speaking candidly to NeedToKnow, Oliver described his first experience: “It felt like all my anxiety disappeared. I had this sensation of warmth and numbness – it was like floating on a bubble.” Yet, this fleeting comfort led him down a dangerous path that stole away his youth and left his body ravaged.
During his darkest periods, Oliver isolated himself completely, spending days on end locked away in his flat. “I would just sit in there, sniffing ketamine,” he revealed. “Some weeks, nobody would even see me.” The addiction spiralled, with episodes of paranoia and vivid hallucinations involving deceased relatives. Despite the distress and self-awareness of his decline, the compulsion to use became all-consuming.
By the age of 16, seeing what he believed was a “gap in the market”, Oliver turned to dealing ketamine in a bid to fund his rapidly accelerating habit, which had already reached a staggering £55,000 a year. Being surrounded by drugs only deepened his dependency, trapping him in a cycle that left him physically and mentally debilitated.
The physical consequences became brutally clear as Oliver’s health began to unravel. Within 18 months of heavy ketamine use, he developed severe “ket cramps” and urinary issues, culminating in catastrophic bladder damage. “I couldn’t leave home,” he explained, “because I constantly needed the toilet, and then there was bleeding and passing large blood clots.” The exertion from these episodes even burst blood vessels in his eyes, giving him a battered appearance for weeks on end.
Despite repeated visits to hospital, medical professionals did not immediately recognise the severity of his condition, and Oliver was often turned away. Over time, his bladder shrank dramatically, and by 20 he required full-time use of incontinence pads, sometimes going through over ten a day. This lack of sleep, physical exhaustion, and distress impacted every aspect of his daily life.
Tragically, at the age of 22, the full extent of the irreversible damage became apparent. A urologist delivered the devastating news: Oliver’s bladder was beyond repair. “They told me it was ‘end game’ and that surgery was the only way to stop the excruciating pain,” Oliver shared. Now awaiting surgery, he must come to terms with living with a bag for the rest of his life. Although it is a crushing reality, Oliver says accepting this outcome was necessary for his wellbeing and quality of life.
Amidst these tremendous challenges, Oliver sought support and entered The Carpenter’s Arms, a Christian rehabilitation centre in Loughborough. Describing his experience there, he credits his mentor, Padre Alan, and the team for helping him rediscover hope, faith, and self-forgiveness. Remarkably, Oliver has remained sober since June of last year.
Having rebuilt much of his life, Oliver is keen to use his experiences to steer others away from similar paths. He now runs a Facebook page and TikTok account dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of addiction and plans to set up a charitable organisation to support others. He urges those struggling to seek help and to prioritise recovery over toxic relationships, warning: “If I’d stopped four years ago, I might still have my bladder.”
For those facing mental health or addiction issues, several support services are available in Wales, including Mind Cymru, Samaritans, and C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line); the NHS 111 service is also on hand for advice. Oliver’s message is clear: with the right support and determination, recovery is possible—though, as his story insists, the consequences of delay can be life-altering.