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Discover the truth behind ketamine therapy for mental health. In this post, we debunk common myths about ketamine, from its reputation as a "party drug" to concerns about addiction, and highlight its proven effectiveness as a safe, medically supervised treatment for depression, anxiety, and more.
In recent years, ketamine has garnered attention for its potential as a treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, but with that spotlight has come a host of misconceptions. Ketamine's reputation has often been clouded by its association with recreational use and its history as a veterinary anesthetic (maybe you’ve heard the phrase “it’s a horse tranquilizer”). However, the therapeutic potential of ketamine as part of a medically monitored mental health treatment, particularly in mental health, is rooted in science and clinical research—not the myths that often surround it. Let’s explore the most common myths associated with ketamine treatment and the In this post, we’ll address some of the most common myths about ketamine treatment and provide the facts that help demystify its use in modern medicine.
Facts: Ketamine was originally FDA approved in 1970 as a dissociative anesthetic and has been used globally for over 50 years in clinics and emergency rooms, even in surgeries with children due to its favorable safety profile. Ketamine is currently the only “psychedelic” medication that is legal in the United States under medical supervision, and a form of ketamine nasal spray (Spravato) was even FDA approved for depression in 2020.
While ketamine has become popularly known as “special K” or “K” in rave circles and nightclubs, we strongly advise against its recreational use due to risks associated with high doses, unknown sources and quality, and potential for abuse. When used in a medical setting, administered responsibly by licensed medical providers, ketamine treatment can be incredibly safe and effective for therapeutic purposes.
Facts: Ketamine is not a narcotic; it is not classified as a Narcotic by the FDA but rather is classified by the FDA as a schedule 3 dissociative anesthetic and is used in a variety of different medical settings. Schedule 3 medications are defined as medications with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence; for reference, other medications in this class include anabolic steroids and testosterone. With a safety profile that is simultaneously unique and excellent, Ketamine is used regularly for surgeries, including those done on children, as it does not impair the respiratory system. While Narcotics are known for their addictive properties and high potential for misuse, Ketamine’s safety profile and low potential for dependency make it distinct. When administered properly, ketamine poses minimal risk to patients.
Facts: There is talk that Ketamine is an addictive substance and people have the right to be concerned about its misuse. While any substance has the potential to be misused, low dose ketamine treatment’s addictive properties have been shown to be minimal, especially when used under medical supervision. Research comparing the neurochemical effects of ketamine to those of addictive substances have shown that ketamine doesn’t produce the same dependency or craving patterns that drugs like opioids or alcohol do. In fact, when administered in medical settings under the supervision of trained professionals, ketamine has been shown to have minimal risks for dependency.
Facts: Ketamine has had many medical uses historically, due to its versatility, efficacy, and safety profile. It has been used historically for both animals and humans, including Historically ketamine has been used as an anesthetic in animals and has proven very effective in treating large animals like horses. However, ketamine’s medical uses are far more diverse and extensive. Its ability to rapidly promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to form new connections—makes it a powerful tool in mental health treatment, offering hope to individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies.
Facts: Ketamine therapy is historically inaccessible and only available at costs upwards of $500 for single sessions. However this is not the case for all Ketamine therapy options. At Jjoyous, we have created a treatment plan that allows patients the freedom to undergo treatment at their own pace and from the comfort of their own home, at only $129 a month. Our goal is to provide approachable treatments for mental health and help patients integrate self improvement into daily living.
Moving Forward with Informed Ketamine Treatment
The internet is flooded with misinformation on a host of important issues, and some information on ketamine therapy lies amongst the deceptive advice. As we talked about, Ketamine Therapy is a safe, effective, and scientifically backed treatment for mental health, particularly for individuals who have not shown improvement or have seen adverse effects from traditional treatments. By understanding the facts behind ketamine therapy and debunking the myths that surround it, we can approach this treatment from a clear and informed perspective. Finding the right information can be a challenge, however on our website you can reference accurate and up to date resources. If you are ready to see if Ketamine Therapy is an appropriate path for you, please begin here: https://joyous.team.
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