Beyond the Bottle: How Medically Supervised Altered States Are Changing Mental Health

Ketamine therapy stands at the forefront of mental health innovation, representing the most disruptive advancement since Prozac revolutionized depression treatment decades ago. This powerful approach doesn't just patch over symptoms—it potentially rewires the traumatized brain, offering hope where traditional treatments have failed.

The science behind ketamine therapy reveals why it's so effective. Working as an NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine increases glutamate levels in the brain, enhancing neuroplasticity and creating new neural pathways. Unlike conventional antidepressants that might take weeks to show effects, ketamine can deliver noticeable relief within hours or days. During sessions, patients often experience a dissociative state that allows them to process emotions and memories differently, gaining insights that wouldn't be accessible in their normal consciousness. This isn't about numbing feelings—it's about reconnecting with them in healthier ways.

Misconceptions about ketamine therapy abound. Medical ketamine isn't the same as street ketamine, and this treatment isn't exclusively for suicidal patients. It now helps those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD who haven't responded adequately to conventional approaches. The treatment must be administered by qualified healthcare providers and works best when integrated with traditional psychotherapy. Think of ketamine as a powerful tool—not a miracle cure or dangerous substance—that, when used properly, can help bridge the gap between merely surviving and genuinely thriving. For those feeling stuck after multiple failed medication attempts, ketamine therapy might offer the emotional traction you've been chasing for years.

Ready to explore whether ketamine therapy might be right for you or someone you care about? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights on breakthrough mental health treatments and approaches that go beyond conventional thinking. Your journey toward better mental health might look different than you expected—and that could be exactly what you need.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:05):
What if the breakthrough your brain needs
doesn't come in a bottle, butthrough a medically supervised
altered state of consciousness?
Ketamine therapy isn't just abuzzword.
It's the most disruptive thingto hit mental health since
Prozac, and it's not just forthe worst-case patients anymore.

(00:27):
What is ketamine therapy really?
Let's break it down.
So ketamine is a medicationtraditionally used as an
anesthetic, specifically totreat depression, anxiety and

(00:47):
PTSD.
It is administered insub-anesthetic doses and is
thought to have rapidantidepressant effects.
What's great about it isbecause of how it's administered
.
You may see results withinhours or days, as opposed to
traditional antidepressants,which could take weeks to months

(01:09):
.
Routes of administrationinclude IV infusion, intranasal
spray, intramuscular injectionor oral tablets, which is the
least common administration.
Some common side effects caninclude dissociation, dizziness
or lightheadedness, nausea,increased blood pressure or

(01:31):
changes in perception orhallucinations.
Ketamine may be considered whentraditional treatments such as
SSRIs or psychotherapy have beenineffective.
It should also be administeredunder the supervision of a
qualified healthcare providerexperienced in its use, as there
are potential risks and sideeffects.

(01:51):
Ketamine therapy is a guidedmedical monitored treatment.
While emerging studies showpromise for ketamine in treating
depression and anxiety, moreresearch is needed to fully
understand its long-term effects, optimal dosing and potential
risks.
Kind of wild that a 60-year-oldsurgical drug might hold the

(02:18):
key to rewiring a traumatizedbrain.
But that's where science isheaded, how it works inized
brain.
But that's where science isheaded, how it works in your
brain.
So, folks, I'm going to getpretty technical and science-y

(02:39):
in this segment, so try tofollow as closely as possible
and bear with me.
Ketamine works primarily as anNMDA receptor antagonist, which
leads to an increase inglutamate levels in the brain.
Let's break it down evenfurther.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the

(02:59):
brain that plays a crucial rolein various brain functions and
is essential for cognitivefunctions like learning and
memory.
Glutamate is also involved insynaptic plasticity, the process
by which connections betweenneurons strengthen or weaken
over time, which is importantfor learning and memory

(03:20):
formation.
So when we have abnormal levelsof glutamate, it can have a
significant effect on our mentalhealth.
An excessive amount ofglutamate are associated with
neurotoxicity and have beenimplicated in various conditions
such as anxiety, depression andneurodegenerative disorders.

(03:41):
Low levels may impair cognitivefunctions and mood regulation.
So what happens during andafter the session?
At onset of treatment, theeffects can be felt quite
quickly, often within minutes ofadministration.

(04:01):
Many individuals report feelingsof dissociation, which can
include a sense of detachmentfrom their body or surroundings.
This is something described asan out-of-body experience.
Visual and auditory distortionsmay occur and some people may
feel as though they are in adreamlike state.
Some patients may experience adeep sense of calmness or

(04:24):
relaxation, particularly asanxiety and distressing thoughts
diminish.
During the session, individualsmight find themselves
processing emotions or memoriesin a way that feels different
from their usual state.
This can sometimes lead toinsights or a sense of clarity
about their feelings andexperiences, or a sense of

(04:45):
clarity about their feelings andexperiences.
Following the session, manyindividuals report feelings of
clarity and a new perspective ontheir thoughts and emotions.
This can help in understandingunderlying issues better.
Patients often describe aperiod of integration where they
reflect on the experiences andinsights gained during the
session.
This can involve discussingfeelings and thoughts with a

(05:05):
therapist or journ gained duringthe session.
This can involve discussingfeelings and thoughts with a
therapist or journaling aboutthe experience.
Many individuals feel a senseof calm and emotional relief
after the session, which canlast for hours or even days.
Ketamine doesn't numb you.
It can actually reconnect you.
Doesn't numb you.

(05:27):
It can actually reconnect youIf your current therapy feels
like patching potholes.
Ketamine is rebuilding the road.
Here's a fun segment.
It's called Mythbustersketamine edition.
I will say a myth and then Iwill say the reality.
Okay, so here's the first mythit's the same thing as street

(05:52):
ketamine, which is special K.
The reality is it's not thesame.
Here's the second myth it'sonly for people who are suicidal
.
The reality is it's used fordepression, ptsd, anxiety and

(06:14):
even OCD.
My take Ketamine is a tool, nota miracle, not a monster.
Tool, not a miracle, not amonster.

(06:34):
What a real session looks like.
Patients usually arrive at theclinic and check in for their
appointment.
Prior to the session, thetherapist or clinician may
conduct a brief check-in todiscuss the patient's current
mood, any changes since the lastsession and any concerns they
may have.
Mood any changes since the lastsession and any concerns they
may have.
The clinician will review thetreatment plan, discuss the
expected effects of ketamine andconfirm that the patient
understands and consents to thetreatment.

(06:56):
The therapy room is typicallydesigned to be calming and
comfortable, with soft lightingand comfortable seating or
reclining chairs.
The environment is private andquiet to minimize distractions
and facilitate relaxation.
After the administration,patients are monitored for a
period to ensure they are stableand feeling well as the effects

(07:19):
of ketamine wear off.
Once the patient is stable, theclinician may conduct a
debriefing session to discussthe experience, any insights
gained and how the patient isfeeling.
The clinician may providerecommendations for coping
strategies or discuss follow-upappointments and any necessary
adjustments to the treatment.
Patients typically engage infollow-up therapy sessions to

(07:43):
integrate the experiences andinsights gained during ketamine
therapy into their ongoingmental health treatment.
Real-life example A veteran withPTSD who found peace after 10
years of nightmares Insight.

(08:03):
He didn't forget what happened.
He finally stopped reliving.
Here's a mini reflection moment.
What if one session gave youthe emotional traction you've
been chasing for years?
Love that, who it's for and whoit's not.
Who it's for and who it's not.

(08:28):
Many clinics require an initialconsultation or evaluation
before starting ketamine therapy.
This is to assess theindividual's mental health
history, current symptoms andoverall suitability for
treatment.
While some clinics may notstrictly require a formal
diagnosis, having a mentalhealth condition such as
depression, anxiety or PTSD istypically a prerequisite for

(08:49):
receiving ketamine therapy.
Providers often look forconditions that have not
responded to traditionaltreatments.
A medical evaluation may beconducted to ensure that the
patient physically fits thistype of treatment.
This may include assessingmedical history, current
medications and anycontraindications.
Some clinics may requirereferral from a mental health

(09:12):
professional or may prefer thatpatients come with a
recommendation from theirtherapist or psychiatrist,
especially if they are alreadyundergoing treatment for a
mental health condition.
Walk-ins are not common forketamine therapy due to the need
for thorough evaluation andtreatment planning.
Most clinics operate byappointment only to ensure that

(09:34):
each patient's needs areadequately addressed.
It is not ideal for people withuncontrolled high blood pressure
, history of psychosis orunmanaged bipolar.
This isn't a magic pill foreveryone.
Ketamine might be a shortcut,but it's not a cheat code.
Ketamine is a controlledsubstance and its administration

(09:57):
typically requires a medicallicense.
Therefore, a psychiatrist orother licensed medical
professional is usuallyresponsible for the
administration of ketamine.
Medical professionals aretrained to assess patients'
medical histories, monitor vitalsigns, manage any potential
side effects and handle anyadverse reactions that may arise

(10:20):
during treatment.
While therapists, like myself,cannot administer ketamine, we
can play a crucial role in theoverall treatment process.
We may providepsychotherapeutic support before
and after ketamine sessions tohelp patients process their
experiences and integrateinsights gained during treatment
.
We can also help monitorprogress, assess the

(10:43):
effectiveness of ketaminetreatments and collaborate with
the prescribing medicalprofessional to make any
adjustments if needed.
In many cases, ketamine therapyis delivered in a collaborative
setting where medicalprofessionals and therapists
work together to providecomprehensive care.
This approach ensures thatpatients receive both medical
treatment and therapeuticsupport.

(11:04):
Some clinics may offerspecialized training for
therapists to understand theeffects of ketamine therapy, how
to support patients through theprocess and how to integrate
ketamine therapy into broadertreatment plans.
There are emergingcertification programs and

(11:27):
workshops for healthcareproviders interested in
providing ketamine therapy, butthese programs are typically
geared towards medicalprofessionals.
Not every clinic with moodlighting and a crystal bowl is
safe.
Credentials first, vibes second.
Many therapists appreciateketamine's ability to provide
rapid relief for patients whoare experiencing severe

(11:49):
depression or anxiety,especially those who have not
responded to traditionaltreatments.
Therapists recognize ketaminetherapy as an innovative
approach in the mental healthfield, particularly for
treatment-resistant conditions.
Some therapists see thepotential for ketamine therapy
to be integrated into acomprehensive treatment plan,

(12:09):
combining medication withpsychotherapy to enhance overall
therapeutic outcomes.
The growing interest inketamine therapy has sparked
broader discussions about mentalhealth treatment options and
the need for effectiveinterventions, which many
therapists view positively.
There are concerns about thelong-term effects and safety of
ketamine therapy.

(12:29):
While it has shown promise inshort-term studies, some
therapists may be hesitant toendorse it without more
extensive long-term data.
Ketamine is a controlledsubstance and there are concerns
about its potential for misuseor abuse.
Some therapists worry thatpatients may seek ketamine
therapy for recreationalpurposes rather than legitimate

(12:50):
therapeutic reasons.
The dissociative effectsexperienced during ketamine
sessions can be concerning forsome therapists, particularly
regarding how patients processtheir experiences afterward and
how it may affect their mentalstate.
Therapists may worry that someclinics may prioritize ketamine
administration over ongoingtherapy and support to address

(13:13):
underlying issues.
There is variability in howketamine therapy is administered
and not all clinics may followstandardized protocols.
This inconsistency can lead todifferent patient experiences
and outcomes, raising concernsabout the quality of care.
Some therapists express ethicalconcerns about the quality of
care.
Some therapists express ethicalconcerns about the

(13:36):
commercialization of ketaminetherapy and the potential for
cash grab practices thatprioritize profit over patient
well-being.
The truth it works best withtherapy, not instead of it.
Don't replace your therapist.
Bring them with you into theexperience.
Matthew Perry, known for hisrole as Chandler Bing on the

(13:58):
beloved sitcom Friends, perry'slegacy extends beyond his
comedic talent.
He was also an advocate formental health awareness, openly
discussing his struggles withaddiction and depression.
We all heard that he drowned inhis hot tub and it was because
he was given ketamine treatmentsand too much of it, an

(14:24):
abundance of it.
His recent death has sparked arenewed conversation about
mental health treatment optionsand the complexities surrounding
them.
Matthew Perry's story is apoignant reminder of the
importance of mental health andthe need for effective
treatments.
His struggles illuminate thereality that many individuals
face when seeking help and theongoing challenges within the

(14:46):
mental health system.
As we reflect on Perry's lifeand the impact he made, let's
also continue the conversationabout mental health advocacy,
the importance of seeking helpand exploring all available
treatment options, includinginnovative approaches like
ketamine therapy.
Ketamine is a pattern disruptor,not a cure-all.

(15:09):
Combined with therapy,lifestyle shifts and self-work,
it can be a really effectiveanswer.
Build rituals before and aftersessions, breathwork, journaling
and a safe space.
Here's a closing prompt forlisteners, which is bad advice

(15:35):
this week.
If someone tells you ketaminetherapy is just psychedelic, woo
ask them have you seen whatdepression looks like after 12
failed medications?
No, could ketamine be thebridge between surviving and
thriving for you or someone youlove?
Thank you for joining us todayon Licensed and Unfiltered, as

(15:58):
we explored the transformativepotential of ketamine therapy in
the realm of mental health.
We discussed its rapid effects,the science behind its use and
the important conversationssurrounding its implementation.
As we wrap up, remember thatmental health is a vital aspect
of overall well-being, andexploring innovative treatment

(16:19):
options like ketamine therapycan offer hope for those who
have struggled with traditionalmethods.
If you or someone you know isconsidering ketamine therapy,
it's essential to seek guidancefrom qualified health
professionals to ensure safe andeffective treatment.
We encourage you to continuethe conversation about mental
health in your own lives.

(16:39):
Share your thoughts,experiences and support with
those around you.
Together, we can break thestigma and foster a community
that prioritizes mentalwell-being.
If you enjoyed today's episode,please subscribe, rate and
review our podcast.
Your feedback helps us to bringyou more valuable content and

(17:01):
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Thank you for listening andtake care of yourselves and each
other.