Is Ketamine Therapy Considered Psychedelic Therapy?

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a painkiller that can be prescribed in mild doses to those with severe or chronic pain. Patients may experience varied effects of the drug once it is administered, depending on whether they are taking it in the legal sense via ketamine infusion or illicit version. While ketamine is still a relatively new method compared to other psychiatric medications, breakthrough therapy is becoming more widely discussed and accepted as an effective method for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and TRD (treatment-resistant disorder).

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What Class of Drugs Is Ketamine in?

According to The Controlled Substance Act, ketamine is classified as a Schedule III non-narcotic drug in the United States. Ketamine is accepted for medicinal purposes for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, certain drug addictions, and several mental illnesses. Ketamine therapy is offered through two methods; infusion therapy and nasal spray, and both require a recommendation and prescription from a doctor to use. Patients will more severe symptoms may require one method (IV infusion therapy), while patients with less severe symptoms may require the other method (Spravato nasal spray).

Similarities and Differences Between Ketamine and Other Psychedelics

While ketamine is considered a psychedelic treatment, it varies from other psychoactive drugs. When taken in small prescribed doses, the effects of ketamine do not get the individual ‘high,’ and they do not experience a mind-altering state of consciousness. Psychedelic experiences through psychedelic drugs can promote an out-of-body experience when taken in high doses, but they can also stabilize an individual with a severe mental illness; the polarization of its effects makes ketamine treatments and psychedelic therapy genuinely life-changing. Psychedelic medicines are designed to be an alternative to traditional medications without the risk of dependency or addiction. 

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What Does Ketamine Therapy Treat?

Ketamine-assisted treatment has been shown to help treat a variety of disorders. Ketamine treatments can also be effective in treating a host of depressive disorders. Some of these include:

• Severe depression 
• Major depression (MDD: major depressive disorder)
• Eating disorders
• Mental illness
• Depressive symptoms such as suicidal ideation
• Mood disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Suicidal ideation 
• Bipolar disorder 

Ketamine can treat addictions. For those with challenging experiences, such as returning from combat, ketamine dosing can be highly advantageous for stabilizing the individual. Enough psychedelic research has been conducted that concludes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is an effective method to treat addictions and depressive symptoms.

Not every individual who wants ketamine therapy will be a candidate for the modality. Patients will undergo an in-depth analysis to determine whether they are good treatment candidates. 

Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

The ideal candidate for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has tried standard pharmacological methods to help deal with their symptoms without success. Those who have treatment-resistant depression, as well as major depressive disorder), are the ideal candidates for psychedelic medicines. The effects of ketamine will vary from individual to individual, depending on what they are struggling with. With ongoing drug development advancing pharmaceutical companies, more and more insurance companies are accepting ketamine dosing in their coverage.

Ketamine Therapy at WhiteSands

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers psychedelic therapy at an outpatient ketamine clinic near you. In just a single ketamine session, patients can feel enhanced mental and physical clarity and stability. We offer treatments for depression that are effective; even after just a single therapy session involving ketamine and talking therapy, patients report feeling alleviated of their symptoms.

Our ketamine clinic, where patients receive their ketamine treatments, is comfortable and registered nurses and clinical staff monitor patients throughout the process. Patients will meet with our in-house medical director before beginning their first ketamine session. We are one of the only facilities that offer ketamine infusion therapy, and we are confident that you will experience its beneficial effects. 

There is no better time to seek help than now. Call the intake staff at WhiteSands today and learn more about the different types of ketamine therapy. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.