Ketamine has earned a bad reputation as it is often associated with a party drug and its use as a horse tranquilizer.
Misconceptions of this treatment leave many questioning how safe ketamine use really is. However, ketamine can be an effective medicine for treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD when taken under medical supervision. Here are some key ketamine facts to help dispel common myths.
Myth 1: Ketamine is new to the medical scene
Although ketamine is often seen as a modern treatment, it has actually been used since the 1970s. It was initially developed as an animal anesthetic for surgery, but later became FDA-approved for use during human surgery. Over time, its benefits for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety were discovered, and ketamine therapy has been studied and used as a mental health treatment for over a decade.
Myth 2: Ketamine is addictive
Many people often ask, “Is ketamine addictive?” Ketamine is labeled as moderately addictive—however, the risk of dependence is minimal when taken in low, controlled doses. According to the president of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, addiction usually happens when individuals misuse ketamine and self-administer in high doses. Under the supervision of a professional, doses are carefully monitored.
Myth 3: Ketamine can be taken at home or for recreational use
Ketamine should always be administered by a trained professional who can monitor your progress and adjust the dosage based on your specific mental health needs and medical history. Purchasing ketamine outside of a medical clinic and self-dosing is unsafe because you risk laced substances and possible overdose.
It is important to learn ketamine facts to break common misconceptions so we can better understand and use this treatment to help improve the lives of those struggling with mental health conditions. Safe ketamine use always involves the administration by a professional.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
If you have any questions or are considering ketamine as a mental health treatment, contact our team at Vitalitas Denver by filling out the form below. We’re here every step of the way.
