Ketamine Assisted Treatment (KAT)

Ketamine has gained attention in recent years for its potential beneficial effects in treating anxiety, addiction, PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. There have been articles in the New York Times and Outside Magazine as well as papers in many scientific journals praising its benefits. Ketamine has brief mild psychedelic and tranquilizing effects when used in low doses and causes complete unconsciousness when used in higher doses and is often used in hospitals and Emergency Rooms for anesthesia. It is a very safe drug, with few interactions or side effects. The brief psychedelic and sedating effects only last for 1 to 2 hours, however, the antidepressant effects of a Ketamine treatment and beneficial effects on anxiety, PTSD, depression, and addiction last much longer. It is theorized to work through a unique mechanism of action. It blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which play a significant role in increasing learning and neural plasticity, (the ability of the neurons in the brain to change their interconnections and electrical signaling) essentially helping to “rewire” the brain. The increase in neuroplasticity caused by Ketamine can help weaken the neural pathways in the addict’s brain that reward drug use. It can weaken the pathways that lead to negative thoughts and feelings in those with depression, and that lead to unpleasant responses to triggers in PTSD and anxiety. Ketamine, combined with Ketamine integration counseling, can then help the brain form new pathways or strengthen the pre-existing pathways that reward and encouraged self-affirming, and positive behaviors. Ketamine facilitates this process of “rewiring” the brain, replacing negative responses with positive ones.

A major benefit of using ketamine is its rapid effect. With addiction it rapidly reduces cravings and some withdrawal symptoms. In depression, it can reduce the feelings of hopelessness and despair that accompany depression within hours or days. And for PTSD and anxiety it can rapidly reduce the unpleasant symptoms caused by triggering. The effect of a Ketamine treatment is long lasting, extending well beyond the 1–2-hour duration of the initial tranquilizing and psychedelic effects. The ability of Ketamine to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD that are often found in individuals battling addiction helps treat the root causes of addiction, not just the symptoms, providing a more holistic approach to recovery.

Ketamine treatment for addiction, depression and PTSD is a relatively new field.  Currently there are numerous different ways to administer the drug. There are oral, IV, and nasal formulations. The most recent evidence does not show any difference in the effectiveness between the various modes of administration. Oral Ketamine is low cost, doesn’t require a painful needle stick, simple and easy to use, and can be taken at home. Because of these advantages, we exclusively use the oral form of Ketamine at Life Line Services.

It is important to know that Ketamine is still a very new and evolving form of treatment. More research is required to establish optimal protocols and long-term efficacy and safety. Furthermore, it should only be administered under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals due to the risk of misuse and potential side effects. However, if directly expressed from your provider, subsequent treatments can be taken from home.