What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine was initially developed as a human and veterinary anesthetic. It does not decrease breathing or blood pressure, unlike other anesthetics, yet unpleasant side effects such as hallucinations and confusion may occur. Because of its inexpensive cost, it is still commonly utilized in medical treatments all over the world. It is also known as Special K on the street and is classified as a Schedule III narcotic having a moderate to low risk for physical and psychological dependence.
Ketamine Therapy and Its Benefits
Ketamine is an anesthetic that can be used to treat mental illnesses such as serious depression and PTSD.
Patients will frequently have a more effective ketamine experience in a safe and supportive atmosphere rather than in a recreational setting. A ketamine treatment regimen should be used in conjunction with psychotherapy for maximum healing.
As a psychiatric provider and lifelong learner, I am constantly researching advances in mental health care and the best treatment strategies for my patients. My motivation in pursuing ketamine therapy as a practitioner arose after hearing about the success other practitioners were having with trauma patients.
My research revealed that ketamine therapy combined with psychotherapy provided patients with a safe psychedelic experience under the supervision of a competent practitioner. Ketamine is an anesthetic used to treat a number of mental health illnesses such as treatment-resistant depression/major depression, anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), bipolar disorder, and some addictions/substance use disorders.
It also helps those with chronic pain and has fewer negative effects than other pain drugs. It can help patients heal by processing, conquering, and releasing trauma when delivered by a practitioner in a controlled atmosphere utilizing a range of modalities. As I prepare to offer ketamine therapy, I’m answering frequently asked questions regarding the benefits, use in mental health, and treatment options.
What can patients expect from ketamine treatment?
Prior to the first ketamine session, it should be thoroughly discussed with patients so that they have clear expectations of what they will experience. This helps to reduce anxiety when experiencing psychedelic effects. Furthermore, it considers their aspirations and desired outcomes of the therapy.
It is critical for the practitioner to express that a patient may have a preconceived notion about the experience and end and that they should not be confined by this notion, but rather open and accepting of their unknown path. The more willingly a patient surrenders to the experience, the more enjoyable, beneficial, and advantageous it will be to themselves and their recovery process.
When performed in a safe and supportive environment, the patient can have a more positive experience (Gorman, I., Nielson, E., & Paleos, C., 2021). This experience may involve relaxing music, a connection to nature through plants, and the usage of light. This is in stark contrast to how ketamine is commonly used recreationally, where there may be loud music, an unfamiliar dark atmosphere, and potentially dangerous circumstances.
Music is a crucial part of the journey and should be carefully selected (Wavepaths, 2022). Deep-toned instruments and tribal music can be used in sound therapy. This is intended to help patients enter a state of deep concentration and relaxation. According to EEG studies, this style of music helps organize the brain waves to mirror those of someone in deep meditation, encouraging healing from painful memories (Wavepaths, 2022).
How many treatments are typically required to experience optimal healing?
The number of treatment sessions required may vary based on the patient and the intended results. If a patient wants to make fundamental physiological and behavioral changes, the practitioner’s treatment approach will include numerous sessions. Repeated treatments during a short time span have been shown to elongate healing results by three to six months. Patients frequently report temporary relief from pain and suffering after just one session (Gorman, I., Nielson, E., & Paleos, C., 2021).
It is critical to consider the context, mode of administration, and desired outcome while pursuing ketamine treatment for mental health. Practitioner-designed treatment regimens and healing centers provide a secure and controlled setting in which to undergo therapy. A treatment regimen should be followed and used in conjunction with psychotherapy to ensure optimal healing.