**Ketamine Addiction Leaves Young Welsh Man Wearing Nappies and ‘Weeing Jelly’ at 27**
A Welsh man has courageously spoken out about the far-reaching consequences of his ketamine addiction, which led to profound health complications, including the need to wear nappies at just 27 years old and his weight falling to a dangerously low 7 stone. Jack shared his candid story on the ‘Altered Attitudes’ podcast, a platform dedicated to exploring the growing trend of ketamine use among the younger generation and offering support for those grappling with addiction.
In his appearance on the podcast, hosted by Lester Morse, Jack gave raw insight into his journey with drug dependency, which did not stem from a troubled upbringing. “I had a loving family and a straightforward childhood with no trauma. I was actually quite spoiled and had the support of my siblings,” Jack recalled. The turning point, he explained, came at the age of 19, when ketamine was introduced as a means to manage pain from undiagnosed arthritis and post-surgery procedures.
Ketamine, initially developed for use as a medical anaesthetic, has found a notorious place among recreational drugs, offering dissociative and euphoric effects. However, its popularity among young people has sparked concern, as reflected in rising use statistics and record seizures by law enforcement. Jack’s experiences underline the dangers rarely considered by casual users.
Despite a supportive background, the potent effects of ketamine quickly gripped Jack’s life. “When I started, it was a way to manage pain and be able to function. But before long, it became about fitting in with friends. Suddenly, family and all the things I used to love, like sports, faded into the background,” he revealed. This sense of belonging soon turned into dependency, and Jack found himself prioritising the drug over everything else in his life.
As Jack’s tolerance grew, his consumption escalated sharply. He described how he went from using a gram every two days to taking frequent “bumps”—small doses—every few hours. The toxic impact on his body was swift and severe. Jack recounted agonising “ket cramps” linked to a dilated and inflamed bile duct, debilitating pain and spasms that could leave him doubled over for hours or even days. Despite several attempts at rehabilitation, Jack’s health continued to deteriorate, exacerbated by additional dependence on prescription painkillers including OxyContin and fentanyl.
By his late twenties, Jack’s condition had worsened alarmingly. “I was down to about seven-and-a-half stone, sniffing half an ounce a day, and contemplating suicide. My bladder was so damaged, its capacity dropped to just 70ml. I had to wear nappies and would pass blood constantly,” Jack shared. His liver and kidneys were failing, leaving him jaundiced and swollen with retained fluid—a stark warning of the toll that ketamine and other substances had taken.
It was only through his third spell in rehabilitation that Jack managed to gain a foothold on recovery. He acknowledged how deeply his struggle had affected his family, describing their ongoing anguish over his condition. “I’d be so high on opiates and ketamine that I’d lose all self-awareness and dignity. There were times I’d come downstairs naked, with no idea who or where I was. It destroyed me and hurt everyone close to me,” Jack reflected.
Since entering recovery, Jack is approaching 18 months of sobriety and is increasingly outspoken about the realities faced by those who underestimate the dangers. “When you’re young, you think you’re invincible and none of this will happen to you. But addiction doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can be undone by it—don’t wait to seek help,” he advised. Jack credits therapy, rehabilitation, and support networks for helping him rebuild his life and regain self-respect.
Medical experts describe ‘ketamine bladder syndrome’ as a critical risk for users, leading to serious urinary complications that may eventually require surgical intervention. Prolonged use also puts individuals at risk of cognitive decline, severe mental health issues, and damage to internal organs.
Ketamine remains a Class B controlled substance in the UK, making possession, distribution, or sale illegal. Penalties include up to five years in prison for possession and up to 14 years for supply. Authorities continue efforts to address the rising tide of ketamine misuse, particularly among younger cohorts.
For anyone struggling with substance misuse, numerous support avenues are available. Contacting a GP or local drug treatment service can be a crucial first step. Organisations such as Frank, Rehabs UK, and Mind provide guidance and confidential advice. If you or someone you know is affected, reaching out can be the beginning of a vital change.
Jack’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers associated with drug dependency—and the hope that recovery is possible, with empathy, support, and specialist help.