Debunking Popular Myths about Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine is a new, life-saving treatment for depression. It has been proven to work and to help stop people from harming themselves. Despite these facts, people often believe myths about how ketamine works and what it can do for them. Let’s clear up these myths so you can be confident about choosing ketamine for your depression.
MYTH #1: Ketamine Causes Psychosis
Fact: You cannot become psychotic or freak out while under the influence of ketamine.
If you experience visuals during ketamine treatment, it’s because you’re completely relaxed, and the effects on the brain allow areas to connect that normally do not talk to each other. This allows you to perceive things that you normally would not or to shift your perspective on things.
In addition, during the ketamine treatments you have on an eye mask and headphones decreasing external stimuli distraction and allowing for more awareness of internal surroundings.
If the sensations or visuals become uncomfortable, frightening or overwhelming there are ways we support you through these experiences and often these can provide the greatest healing potentially if the set, setting, and integration are paid close attention to.
There is a thought that any psychedelic medicine has the potential to induce a psychotic state and therefore those who have a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia may not be best suited for this treatment.
MYTH #2: Ketamine Is Addictive
Fact: Ketamine is not physiologically addictive.
People who take ketamine do not develop a physiologic addictive response to it, and they can stop taking it at any time. Any substance can be “addictive” in a psychological way and this can happen with ketamine as well. If people are using ketamine to escape or become dependent on the feeling they have doing ketamine a psychological addiction can start to occur. This is why it is important to have a full medical evaluation
People do develop a tolerance to ketamine, especially if they are using it frequently and at high doses. This is important to be aware of if ketamine is being prescribed or if it is being obtained illegally. It is crucial to have this conversation with patients and create a safe environment for your patients to share what is going on with them.
Ketamine is also very different from alcohol and benzodiazepines, other depressants. People who have developed a dependency on these drugs can have dangerous and even deadly physiologic effects if they stopped abruptly.
MYTH #3: Ketamine Is a Veterinary Drug
Fact: Ketamine was approved for use in humans before being used in animals.
Ketamine was approved for use in humans before being used in animals because ketamine is so helpful for people with depression.
Ketamine is used in the medical and veterinary settings as an anesthetic and pain reliever and now more recently as an antidepressant in the medical setting. Ketamine is used in both settings because it has proved to be safe, effective, and inexpensive.
MYTH #4: Ketamine Is a Club Drug
Fact: Ketamine is used in hospitals and clinics all around the world.
Ketamine was used on wounded soldiers in Vietnam. It has been around in hospital operating rooms and clinical settings for decades and has been used in humans for decades longer than it has been used in animals.
Ketamine has been and is still utilized as a party drug or recreational drug, but this is often illegally obtained medication. When used in appropriate doses and in a safe, controlled, and intentional setting it has been successful at supporting many struggling with their mental health.
Conclusion
Ketamine has been used for decades in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. Its effects and safety profile have been studied extensively, and it is considered safe for use in people with depression.
There are many myths about ketamine, but the fact is that it is a safe, effective form of treatment for depression. Ketamine is not just a new treatment for depression; it’s a life-saving treatment for depression.
Stephanie Lyn Coleman is a licensed physician trained in the traditional western medicine and ketamine treatment, but also incorporates a holistic approach to health. Ketamine is effective in helping ease the emotional burden of anxiety, stress, and depression holding people back from truly enjoying their life and feeling happy. Transform emotional pain and regain happiness with Ketamine Treatment today!