Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in clinical settings for decades. Unfortunately, it is more popularly recognized for its illicit use. With all the myths and misconceptions around the use of ketamine, people often hesitate to go under ketamine therapy even though it is one of the most effective ways to treat mental health conditions.
If your doctor or therapist has suggested a combination of IOP and ketamine therapy for you or your loved one, there is nothing to fear. You will be surprised to know that most things you hear about ketamine are not exactly true.
Myth #1: Ketamine Causes Psychosis
Ketamine is often used to treat people who are having difficulty sleeping. Sometimes, it is also used as an alternative treatment option in psychiatric treatment facilities. However, contrary to popular belief, it does not cause psychosis or mental illness when administered accurately in a proper medical setting. The myth branches from the fact that ketamine can produce a dream-like state when it enters the body. This dream-like state lasts only for a few minutes after injection. The person soon returns to reality with all their senses intact.
Myth #2: Ketamine Is Only a Club Drug
Ketamine is a popular club drug and can be dangerous when someone takes it recreationally. However, that is not the only application of ketamine. If it is administered in a professional setting for depression, it can help relieve depression. Over the years, ketamine has proven to offer rapid relief for those suffering from suicidal thoughts and treatment-resistant depression. If you are experiencing depression or other mental health issues, you should consult a mental health expert. They can tell you whether you should receive ketamine as a form of treatment or not.
Myth #3: Ketamine Is Just a Veterinary Drug
There is a popular belief that ketamine is just a horse tranquilizer, but that is not the complete story. Since 1970, ketamine has been used sometimes as an anesthetic during surgeries. In fact, medical practitioners have used ketamine in veterinary and human medicine for decades to help treat chronic pain disorders such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury or diabetes. When administered correctly, ketamine has a fast onset and short duration of action as an anesthetic. Also, it has fewer side effects. While there is a popular belief that ketamine makes people feel high or out of control, patients usually feel calm after receiving the right amount of ketamine.
Myth #4: Ketamine Therapy Is Harmful
It is important to understand that ketamine therapy is safe when it is administered by professionals. This is not just for ketamine therapy. If you look at any other medical therapies, almost all of them should be administered under professional supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. When ketamine is used recreationally, the doses are generally much higher than what is used in therapies, leading to serious consequences. As long as a professional healthcare provider is administering the ketamine therapy in a controlled clinical setting, it is completely safe. In such scenarios, patients are monitored throughout the session to manage any potential side effects timely.
Myth #5: Ketamine Is Addictive
Just because ketamine is used as a club drug does not mean it is addictive. When administered safely under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, it does not cause physical dependence. It is important to understand that medications and therapy do not always work for everyone. Ketamine is particularly useful for those suffering from debilitating cases of depression. Since ketamine offers rapid relief, it is considered a breakthrough treatment. Also, there are no long-term side effects or addiction risks.
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy is one of the most promising options in the treatment of mental health conditions. However, the myths and misconceptions about ketamine often keep people from exploring the advantages ketamine therapy has to offer. Now that you have some clarity about the use of ketamine therapy and its potential benefits, you can make informed decisions regarding mental health treatment for yourself or your loved one. With proper guidance and supervision, ketamine therapy can help you heal from your mental health challenges.
