Does ketamine therapy get you high? The science explained

Ketamine therapy has gained attention as a promising treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. But many wonder about its psychoactive effects. Let's explore the science behind ketamine's impact on the brain and what patients can expect during treatment.

Key takeaways:

• Ketamine can induce dissociative effects at therapeutic doses
• The "high" from medical ketamine differs from recreational use
• Psychoactive effects may contribute to ketamine's antidepressant action
• Proper medical supervision ensures safety during ketamine therapy

Does ketamine therapy get you high? Understanding the effects

Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, but researchers discovered its rapid antidepressant properties at lower doses. When used therapeutically, ketamine can cause feelings of dissociation, altered perception, and even mild hallucinations. However, these effects differ from the intense "high" associated with recreational ketamine abuse.

Dr. John Krystal, a leading ketamine researcher, explains: "The dissociative effects of ketamine at antidepressant doses are generally mild and well-tolerated. Patients often describe feeling detached from their surroundings or body, but remain aware and can communicate with their therapist."

The science behind ketamine's psychoactive effects

Ketamine primarily works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a role in mood regulation and cognition. This mechanism leads to increased glutamate signaling and triggers a cascade of neuroplastic changes.

The dissociative effects stem from ketamine's impact on specific brain regions:

• Prefrontal cortex: Altered self-perception and cognition
• Hippocampus: Changes in memory formation
• Thalamus: Disrupted sensory processing

Interestingly, some researchers believe these psychoactive effects may contribute to ketamine's antidepressant action by promoting psychological flexibility and new perspectives[1].

Does ketamine therapy get you high? Comparing medical and recreational use

While ketamine therapy can induce altered states of consciousness, it's crucial to distinguish between medical use and recreational abuse. Therapeutic ketamine is:

• Administered in controlled, clinical settings
• Given at much lower doses than recreational use
• Closely monitored by medical professionals
• Combined with psychotherapy for optimal outcomes

Dr. Cristina Cusin of Massachusetts General Hospital notes: "The goal of ketamine therapy isn't to get patients high. We use carefully titrated doses to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing risks and side effects."[2]

Navigating the ketamine experience: What patients can expect

For those considering ketamine therapy, understanding the potential psychoactive effects is essential. Here's what patients might experience:

1. Dissociation: Feeling detached from one's body or surroundings
2. Altered perception: Changes in vision, hearing, or sense of time
3. Emotional shifts: Heightened emotions or a sense of calm
4. Mild hallucinations: Usually visual, like seeing patterns or colors

These effects typically last 40-60 minutes during infusion and resolve quickly afterward. Patients remain conscious and can communicate throughout the session[3].

Maximizing safety and therapeutic potential

To ensure safe and effective ketamine therapy:

• Always undergo treatment with qualified medical professionals
• Disclose all medical history and current medications
• Follow pre-treatment instructions carefully
• Engage in preparatory and integration therapy sessions
• Report any concerning side effects promptly

Dr. Sandhya Prashad, president of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, emphasizes: "Ketamine therapy should always be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The dissociative effects can be therapeutically valuable when properly integrated."[4]

Conclusion: Balancing benefits and effects

Does ketamine therapy get you high? While it can induce altered states of consciousness, the experience differs significantly from recreational ketamine use. When administered properly, these psychoactive effects may even contribute to ketamine's therapeutic potential.

As research continues, we're gaining a deeper understanding of how ketamine's unique properties can be harnessed to treat depression and other mental health conditions. For patients considering this treatment, open communication with healthcare providers is key to navigating the ketamine experience safely and effectively.

Want to learn more about innovative mental health treatments? Explore our other articles on emerging therapies and the latest research in neuroscience.