Woman, 23, Needs Botox Injections in Her Bladder After 5 Years of Ketamine Use Leaves Her Incontinent  

**Scottish Woman Shares Her Devastating Battle with Ketamine Addiction to Raise Awareness**

A young woman from Aberdeenshire is on a mission to shed light on the dangers of ketamine abuse after suffering permanent damage from the drug. Ellie Wight, who began her journey with ketamine at the age of 18, is raising funds for a recovery group through a 96-mile fundraising walk, hoping her story will educate others on the serious consequences of recreational drug use.

Wight’s addiction to ketamine quickly spiralled out of control, consuming not just her health but also a staggering £35,000 over five years. “In the beginning, it felt thrilling,” she recalled of her initial experiences with the drug. “Everyone was doing it, and it seemed cool. But soon, what started as a social activity became an addiction.”

The allure of the drug often masked its dangers. Described as a “dissociative anaesthetic”, ketamine produces feelings of calmness, pain relief, and can lead to considerable memory loss while under its influence. It is often abused in social settings and has drawn negative attention due to its connection to various health issues, including the tragic case of actor Matthew Perry, who recently died from an accidental overdose of the substance.

Unfortunately, Wight’s long-term use led to severe and irreversible harm. She began experiencing alarming symptoms that she initially attributed to chronic urinary tract infections. However, a hospital visit revealed much more serious damage. “I was experiencing excruciating pain, sometimes peeing blood,” she recounted. “The discomfort was so intense that I couldn’t always make it to the toilet in time.”

Her only respite, paradoxically, was to take more ketamine, exacerbating her condition. Medical professionals later informed her that chronic ketamine use could cause significant damage to the urinary tract, leading to a contracted bladder — a condition Wight now endures. While a typical bladder can hold between 350 to 600 ml, Wight’s capacity has reduced to roughly 100 ml, less than a third of what is considered normal.

Despite her struggles, Wight has been sober for ten months and is now learning to live with the repercussions of her past choices. She has undergone Botox injections to relieve some of the distressing symptoms associated with diminished bladder capacity, a procedure intended to reduce involuntary contractions and help manage incontinence.

Wight’s journey is not just about her personal struggles; she aims to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of ketamine use, particularly among young people. “Many young individuals are unaware of the risks associated with ketamine,” she noted. Through her fundraising walk and the sharing of her story, she hopes to inform others and support those in recovery.

“By participating in this walk and sharing my experiences, I want to help others realise that recovery is possible,” Wight emphasised. She launched a GoFundMe campaign, detailing her story and the objectives of her mission, eager to reach those who may be unaware of the potential pitfalls associated with the drug.

Wight’s determination to encourage others not to follow in her footsteps is commendable. “It’s a long process, and every day has its challenges, but I want people to understand the impact of their choices,” she stated.

For those who may find themselves in a similar struggle, Wight’s message carries a potent reminder: substance abuse can have far-reaching effects on health and well-being, and recovery is always possible with the right support.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges with substance abuse, resources such as the SAMHSA helpline are available for assistance. Every story of resilience can inspire hope and change.