Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High? Understanding the Facts Behind Ketamine’s Therapeutic Use
Ketamine has recently gained attention not only as a club drug but also for its increasing use in medical and therapeutic settings, especially in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. But one common question that often arises is: Does ketamine therapy get you high?
While ketamine is known for its psychoactive effects and use as a recreational drug, ketamine therapy for mental health treatment differs significantly from recreational use. This article will explore whether or not ketamine therapy gets you high, the science behind its effects, its therapeutic uses, and what to expect during a ketamine treatment session.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, meaning it can cause a feeling of detachment from one’s body and surroundings. It was initially developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic for surgical procedures and has been widely used in both human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, ketamine has gained recognition as a powerful tool for treating mental health conditions, particularly for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
Ketamine works primarily by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a key role in the brain’s response to stress and mood regulation. This mechanism is quite different from traditional antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), which focus on increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
1. The Difference Between Therapeutic Ketamine and Recreational Use
When administered in a clinical setting, ketamine is carefully dosed and monitored by trained professionals, making the effects of ketamine therapy very different from recreational use. During therapy, the goal is not to induce a “high” or dissociative experience but rather to achieve therapeutic benefits such as:
- Rapid relief from symptoms of depression
- Reduction of anxiety
- Improved mood and cognitive function
- Relief from chronic pain conditions
In a clinical setting, ketamine therapy is usually given through intravenous (IV) infusion, nasal spray (Spravato), or intramuscular injection. The doses used for therapy are significantly lower than those typically used recreationally, which reduces the chances of feeling intoxicated or “high.”
2. Psychoactive Effects of Ketamine Therapy
Although it is not intended to get you high, mild dissociation and alterations in perception can occur during treatment, especially at higher doses. Some individuals may experience sensations of floating, changes in time perception, or a sense of detachment from their body or surroundings. These effects are usually short-lived and fade after the session ends.
However, in contrast to recreational use where users often seek a trippy high, ketamine therapy is designed to provide therapeutic outcomes with minimal dissociation. The experience is typically less intense and much more controlled under medical supervision.
3. The Role of Set and Setting
A key factor in whether or not ketamine produces a “high” during therapy is the set and setting. This refers to the mental state (set) of the individual and the physical environment (setting) in which the therapy occurs.
In a therapeutic setting, patients are usually in a calm, safe, and controlled environment, guided by healthcare professionals who help ensure the session’s success. The goal of ketamine therapy is to facilitate psychological healing, and the experiences are tailored to each individual’s needs. The effects are not focused on euphoria but rather on creating a mental space conducive to healing and self-reflection.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?
1. Ketamine for Depression
Ketamine has shown promise in rapidly alleviating symptoms of depression, particularly for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Traditional antidepressants can take weeks to show results, while ketamine often provides noticeable relief within hours or days. This rapid onset of action is one of the reasons ketamine has been hailed as a groundbreaking treatment for depression.
The way ketamine works in treating depression is still being studied, but it is believed that ketamine stimulates brain plasticity and promotes the growth of new synapses, which can help restore balance to mood-regulating neural circuits. In the case of depression, the neural circuits in areas like the prefrontal cortex can become weakened, and ketamine helps reboot these pathways, potentially leading to long-term relief.
2. Ketamine for Anxiety and PTSD
In addition to depression, ketamine therapy is also being studied and used for anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ketamine can help break the cycle of negative thought patterns and emotional avoidance that often accompany these conditions.
For PTSD, in particular, the dissociative effects of ketamine can allow individuals to confront traumatic memories and emotions without becoming overwhelmed. This creates an opportunity for cognitive restructuring, where patients can process painful experiences in a safe and controlled way.
3. Ketamine for Chronic Pain
Ketamine has also been found to be effective in treating chronic pain conditions, particularly in individuals with conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain. Ketamine’s ability to block NMDA receptors helps reduce the perception of pain and can offer relief when other pain medications have failed.
What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy
1. The Ketamine Session
A typical ketamine therapy session lasts between 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the method of administration. Patients are usually seated comfortably in a private room where they are monitored by trained healthcare professionals.
- IV Ketamine: An intravenous (IV) infusion is the most common method used for ketamine therapy. The dose is carefully calibrated to the individual’s needs, and the infusion is slow, allowing for a controlled onset of effects.
- Nasal Spray (Spravato): Spravato, a nasal spray formulation of ketamine, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. It is administered in a medical office under supervision, with patients typically experiencing effects within 15 to 30 minutes.
- Intramuscular (IM) Injections: Some clinics use intramuscular injections of ketamine for therapy. This method provides a more rapid onset of effects compared to IV ketamine.
During the session, patients may experience mild dissociation, changes in perception, or a sense of floating. These effects are usually manageable and temporary, and patients are closely monitored to ensure their safety.
2. Post-Treatment Effects
After the session, patients may feel a bit groggy or disoriented for a short period, but the therapeutic effects generally kick in within hours. Some individuals report feeling a profound sense of calm, improved mood, or even heightened awareness in the days following treatment.
Most people do not experience significant “highs” or intense psychoactive effects after a ketamine therapy session. However, it’s essential to give yourself time to process the treatment and follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss any emotional or psychological shifts.
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
When administered in a controlled, clinical setting, ketamine therapy is considered safe for most individuals, particularly when used for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if ketamine therapy is right for you.
Potential risks include:
- Short-term dissociative effects (which are usually temporary)
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate (rare, but monitored)
- Psychological distress in some cases, though this is less common with lower doses
For individuals with a history of substance abuse or certain mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia), ketamine therapy may not be appropriate. Always speak with your doctor to discuss your medical history and any potential risks.
Final Thoughts: Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
The answer is: Not in the traditional sense. While ketamine has dissociative properties and can cause alterations in perception, the goal of ketamine therapy is not to induce a “high.” When used in a therapeutic setting, ketamine is administered in controlled doses designed to promote healing, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and help manage chronic pain, rather than to induce euphoria.
Ketamine therapy has shown promising results for treating various mental health conditions, especially for individuals who have not responded to other treatments. If you are considering ketamine therapy, it’s essential to work with a qualified provider to ensure the treatment is appropriate for your needs and to discuss any potential effects.
FAQs About Ketamine Therapy
Q: Does ketamine therapy work for depression?
A: Yes, ketamine has been shown to provide rapid relief from symptoms of depression, particularly for individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
Q: Can ketamine therapy cause long-term psychological effects?
A: In the clinical setting, the risks of long-term psychological effects are low. However, some individuals may experience short-term dissociation or emotional shifts during and after treatment.
Q: Is ketamine therapy addictive?
A: Ketamine therapy, when administered in controlled medical settings, has a low risk of addiction. However, it is important to use ketamine only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.