A Dangerous Habit

At just 25 years old, Paige Collins from Hampshire, UK, is living with the long-term consequences of ketamine addiction. What began as an occasional use during her teenage years transitioned into a daily intake of 5 to 10 grams, leading to significant health issues.

The Cost of Addiction

Collins reportedly spent around $1,200 each month on ketamine. Unfortunately, this financial burden was accompanied by a shocking series of health complications. Among these were frequent and painful urination—sometimes up to 50 times a day—and alarming changes in her urine’s consistency, described as “jelly-like.”

Severe Health Consequences

The use of ketamine took a toll on Collins’s bladder, reducing its capacity to a mere 5% of what it once was. The “jelly-like” substance she was passing turned out to be the lining of her own bladder. In her own words, Collins expressed, “I had absolutely no clue this could happen. Even when I knew [and] it was at its worst I still continued to do it. It was awful, I was in pain.”

The Struggles Continue

Despite giving up ketamine and seeking medical assistance, Collins continues to face ongoing bladder issues that have affected her everyday life, including her career. Medical professionals have indicated that the damage is irreversible, leaving her with limited options for recovery.

To alleviate the pain, she is undergoing bladder instillation treatment aimed at stretching her bladder and reducing inflammation. However, Collins acknowledges that the physical damage cannot be undone.

A Lesson for Others

Collins has turned her painful experience into a platform for awareness. “Ket was an escape mechanism for me, which I know it also is for lots of other people,” she remarked. Despite her past as a frequent party-goer, Collins now seeks to educate others about the potential dangers of substance abuse. “I just want to raise awareness as I know the physical and emotional pain this has caused me, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” she affirmed.