By Alessandra Licul, LMHC
If you’re visiting our website, you probably already know that ketamine therapy has gained attention as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression and PTSD. With the increased attention and spotlight on ketamine therapy, it’s important to take a look at some of ketamine myths and the misconceptions surrounding it. Let’s debunk a few of the myths below!
Myth 1: Ketamine Therapy Is Primarily Used as a Recreational Drug
While ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic and has been used in medical and veterinary settings, Ketamine Therapy refers to the controlled and supervised administration of ketamine in a clinical or therapeutic setting. The therapeutic use of ketamine involves lower doses and is distinct from recreational drug use. Although a flawed and complex figure, Timothy Leary was scientifically and clinically accurate when he introduced the notion that set and setting are the key factors in making psychedelic experiences clinically and mentally fruitful. If you aren’t sure if Ketamine Therapy is right for you, we would be pleased to meet with you, carefully evaluate you and the readiness of your mindset, and if we work together, prepare and optimize your mindset while providing a very safe and appropriate setting! .
Myth 2: Ketamine Therapy Is a Cure for Mental Health Conditions
Ketamine therapy is not a “magical cure” for mental health conditions but a treatment option. It has shown potency and promise in providing rapid relief for certain conditions like treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain. A very exciting aspect of psychedelic treatment in particular is that, when treatment goes well, trust, openness, self-love, and creativity can be enhanced. However, the effects are neither guaranteed nor a passive process, your readiness for treatment and capacity to work on yourself with the support of treatment are also critical and necessary factors.
Myth 3: Ketamine Therapy Is Addictive
When administered under medical supervision and in therapeutic doses, ketamine has a very low addiction risk. Ketamine therapy is carefully monitored, and the risk of addiction is low. In fact, psychedelics were originally used in the mid-20th century to treat alcohol abuse specifically. However, misuse or abuse of ketamine outside of medical settings can occur and can cause serious health problems.
Myth 4: Ketamine Therapy Is Only for Severe Cases or Treatment-Resistant Conditions
While ketamine therapy has shown efficacy in treatment-resistant cases, it is not solely reserved for such situations. It can be considered as a treatment option for individuals with various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. The appropriateness of ketamine therapy is determined on a case-by-case basis by healthcare professionals. We would be pleased to answer any of your questions and help determine if ketamine therapy is right for you as one component of your mental healing journey. .
Myth 5: Ketamine Therapy Has No Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, ketamine therapy may have side effects. These can include temporary changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and dissociative experiences during the treatment session. Acevedo-Diaz, of the Section on the Neurobiology and Treatment of Mood Disorders, said the most common short-term side effect was feeling strange or loopy. He also said “Most side effects peaked within an hour of ketamine administration and were gone within two hours. We did not see any serious, drug-related adverse events or increased ketamine cravings with a single-administration.” Fortunately, ketamine is generally a very safe medicine, and serious adverse effects are quite rare under the care and supervision of trained professionals in appropriate settings.
Acheron Center for Psychiatric Healing
In summary, it is crucial to consult with qualified healthcare professionals who can provide accurate information and guidance regarding the potential benefits, risks, and suitability of ketamine therapy for each person’s specific circumstances. To learn more about Ketamine Therapy for New York area residents, please contact us: Acheron Center for Psychiatric Healing. We would love to play a role in your mental healing journey!
Alessandra Licul, LMHC, is a psychotherapist who offers both traditional and psychedelic-assisted therapy through a grounded, collaborative approach. Rooted in humanistic and depth psychology, Alessandra Licul’s work supports deep transformation – whether you’re facing a challenge, seeking clarity, or stepping into new possibilities. More about Alessandra Licul, LMHC.
