Ketamine: A Legal Way To Trip
Ketamine is making its way to the rooms of psychotherapists treating patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, suicide ideation and more. You or your pet may have already taken Ketamine as it is widely used by physicians as an anesthetic in many hospitals and medical settings. Also known as “K” and “Special K” its been used recreationally particularly amongst rave-goers. Despite popular belief, one does not have to be a horse or raver to experience the therapeutic benefits of Ketamine.
How Does It Work?
As ketamine enters the body it inhibits NMDA receptors, a non-essential amino acid that plays the role of a neurotransmitter. This causes reduced pain perception and induces sedation by the involvement of spinal NMDA receptors in the process of central sensitization. It has also been linked with opioid receptors and the cholinergic, monoamine, adrenoreceptor, and purinergic systems. The effects range depending on dose intake. At lower doses, the psychological effects include: euphoria, increased self-analysis, mild hallucinations, accompanying sedating and dissociative feelings. In the physical, symptoms such as body high, increased respiratory rate, and dizziness may also be present. At higher doses (also known as “entering the k-hole”), time and space distortion and out-of-body experiences have been reported by users as well.
DISCLAIMER: Ketamine is a federally controlled substance, and I do not encourage or condone the use of this substance where it is against the law.
Legalization
Due to the safety and legality of Ketamine, it is best to use under the supervision of a medical professional. The combination of psychotherapy and Ketamine use helps the patient to integrate the experience into their daily lives and may result in increased therapeutic properties versus without the assistance of a psychotherapist. Ketamine is a federally controlled Schedule Ⅲ substance, which means possession in the U.S. without a prescription is illegal and can result in hefty fines and even jail time. As far as safety, Ketamine is generally safe for occasional use but there are some contraindications one should be aware of before use. Contraindications include: Liver disease, high alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, AIOP (eye fluid pressure), eye injuries (can increase IOP), history of psychiatric disorders, suicidal thoughts, pregnant or nursing, and other current medical conditions. Since Ketamine is a porphyrinogenic, acute porphyria is also a contraindication. Ketamine has been linked to urological issues and schizotypal symptoms amongst long term users.
Treatment
As a result of the recent research and interest in Ketamine use in psychotherapy and pain management treatments, Ketamine clinics are popping up all over the United States. Additionally, psychotherapists and clinicians are beginning to add Ketamine treatment to their list of expertise. Often administered via IV Infusion, treatment can cost anywhere from $300 - $2000 dollars depending on the purpose of treatment. However in NYC, MindBloom is already changing the status quo to make Ketamine use more accessible by offering Ketamine in a sublingual dose. Oral dosage cuts equipment costs and allows the treatment to be more approachable at just $250 for an introductory session and eligibility for following treatments costing $150 per session. With zero gravity chairs, aromatherapy, refreshments and more, their advanced and modern facility ensures best in class comfortability allowing the patient the peace of mind to fully surrender to the treatment.
To find a Ketamine Physician near you check out the American Society for Ketamine Physicians.