Many people hear the word ketamine and automatically have negative thoughts. While it’s true that ketamine has caused problems as a street drug, it was being used safely and effectively in the healthcare system long before it became “popular” to sell.
When used correctly, ketamine has a variety of medical benefits. Physically, it’s used as an anesthetic. However, in recent years, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has grown increasingly popular as the drug can help individuals who are struggling with mental health conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at the therapeutic benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy. When used correctly and under professional supervision, this type of therapy can help with a variety of conditions.
How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a combined approach when it comes to mental health treatment. You’ll be given small, controlled doses of ketamine while engaging in the therapeutic process.
Using ketamine while working with a therapist can make it easier for you to open up and share things that might otherwise be difficult to talk about. It can also make you more receptive to treatment, allowing for faster results. Because ketamine can put you in an altered state of consciousness, you are also more likely to dive into a more introspective mindset. This can help you change your perspective on certain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Research has shown that ketamine can promote new connections within the brain. If you tend to struggle with negative thought patterns, these connections can help you “break free” and replace those patterns and cycle with something more positive.
Additionally, ketamine influences the brain’s glutamate system. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that stimulates certain nerve cells. As a result, ketamine produces rapid results when it comes to reduced feelings of stress and anxiety, and overall mood improvement.
What Are the Benefits?
One reason people turn to ketamine-assisted therapy is that it often provides fast results. If traditional forms of talk therapy haven’t been as effective as you might have hoped, this modality has shown rapid antidepressant effects, even lessening suicidal thoughts. Some people even experience these effects in a matter of hours.
Ketamine-assisted therapy can also help with anxiety. Not only does it break the cycle of anxious thoughts, but it can boost your mood and alleviate symptoms quickly.
Because this type of therapy can lead you to an altered state of consciousness, it is also effective for people with PTSD when it comes to processing trauma and changing perspectives about traumatic or difficult memories.
In short, ketamine-assisted therapy works quickly, and it’s effective for a variety of conditions.
Are There Risks?
Ketamine is still a drug, even when used appropriately. As with any substance, there are important things to consider before you decide if it’s right for you.
First, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, when offered appropriately, requires medical clearance from a psychiatrist. The dosing and outcome may vary from person to person. It depends on the individual, the condition(s) they’re facing, and the type of treatment plan presented.
Ketamine can also cause side effects for some people. The most common include dizziness and nausea, which are usually short-lived. As such, it’s crucial to always make sure you’re using it correctly and with a professional nearby.
It’s understandable to have additional questions about this type of therapy. However, it’s often seen as a safe and effective solution for those who are resistant to traditional forms of talk therapy. If you’re ready to take charge of your mental health but you’re still on the fence as to whether the help of ketamine can benefit you, feel free to contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to provide more information or help you set up an appointment soon.
