Ketamine Therapy: Dangers, Potential Benefits, and What You Should Know
Ketamine therapy for depression and other mental health disorders has been making headlines since actor Matthew Perry died of a drug overdose last October. Perry was open about his struggles with addiction.
So why was he undergoing a controversial therapy involving a controlled substance? Shouldn’t substance abusers be the last to receive ketamine in a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) of this kind?
The ethical principles of Perry’s doctors have come under investigation, and arrests were recently made. Regardless of who is held accountable, we’re diving deeper into the drug, whether it’s safe and effective for mental health disorders, and whether it’s a suitable option for those in addiction recovery.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that has been used in veterinary offices and hospitals for decades. It was developed in the 1960s and used for injuries during the Korean War.
What are the Ketamine Effects?
There are several psychedelic side effects of ketamine, including: (1) (2)
- Distorted perception
- Sedation
- Amnesia
- Dissociation
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Intoxication
- Dissociation
Ketamine For Depression
Spravato (esketamine) received approval by the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, in 2019 for medical use in humans with treatment-resistant depression. (3) However, it is a powerful drug with plenty of side effects and a potential for overdose, especially in high doses.
This drug is not the first or second option in treatment for depression. Its approval is based on persisting depression that has not improved with other traditional therapies and health care.
Ketamine Therapy Treatment
Ketamine clinics have emerged across the country, with the drug being prescribed off-label and filled by pharmacies for at-home use.
Due to extensive drug marketing and advertising, this therapy is being advocated for various mental health issues, including: (4)
- Opioid dependence
- Lyme disease
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
Its safety and effectiveness are largely unstudied, particularly long-term. Pharmaceutical companies and clinics make confident, sometimes untruthful claims about whether ketamine works as a successful treatment.
How Much Does Ketamine Therapy Cost?
Insurance rarely covers the cost of ketamine therapy, including reimbursement. Spravato has received FDA approval when prescribed for depression and is more likely to be covered by insurance. (5)
Per Session Costs
- Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Infusions: They typically range from $400 to $800 per session (and can take about 40 minutes to several hours). A full course often involves 6 initial treatments in a clinic setting, followed by maintenance sessions as needed, which can lead to total costs between $2,400 and $4,800 for the initial series alone.
- Intramuscular (IM) or Intranasal (Spravato) Treatments: These can be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $300 to $600 per session.
- Oral Therapy: Typically less costly, with prices often ranging from $150 to $300 per session.
IV and IM ketamine therapies are usually not covered by insurance since they are considered off-label. This lack of coverage can make the therapy extremely expensive.
For a complete course of ketamine therapy, patients might spend anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 or more.
What Does Ketamine Addiction Look Like?
While it’s possible that this drug can help treat certain mental health conditions, it also has a high potential for abuse. Those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction have to be mindful of any medical treatment plan that involves mood and mind-altering substances.
Consider your motives behind wanting to try something like ketamine therapy. For example, are you interested in the treatment for the intoxicating effects? Are you looking for a loophole to get high or escape reality?
Ketamine addiction, like other substance use disorders, is characterized by drug-seeking behavior and a loss of control over use, despite negative consequences piling up.
Signs of Ketamine Addiction
- Higher Tolerance: Over time, you may need higher doses of ketamine to achieve the same effects, leading to more frequent use and a greater risk of dependency.
- Cravings: A strong urge to use ketamine, even when not appropriate or necessary.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Physical and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, agitation, and cravings, can occur when you stop using the drug.
- Psychological Effects: Chronic use of ketamine can cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, dissociation, and hallucinations.
- Avoiding Responsibilities: You may start to neglect work, school, or family obligations in favor of using the drug.
- Isolation: As addiction progresses, you may withdraw from social activities and isolate yourself to hide drug use or your mental state.
The Potential of Ketamine Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment
While ketamine therapy is still considered highly experimental in the treatment of addiction, early clinical trials suggest it may be a tool for those who have struggled through conventional methods.
It is not without risks, such as high blood pressure during the infusion process, which is why medical administration is important. The use of any controlled substance is dangerous for recovering addicts.
Possible ways that ketamine may work within addiction include: (6)
- Enhanced neuroplasticity and neurogenesis
- Disruption of relevant functional neural networks
- Treating depression
- Blocking reconsolidation of drug-related memories
- Enhancing the benefits of psychotherapy
Conclusion
Ketamine therapy represents a possible new path in the treatment of addiction. However, we do not currently recommend it as a treatment for those struggling with addiction or with a history of SUD.
It is crucial to approach ketamine use with caution, as the potential for addiction remains a serious concern. Matthew Perry’s journey reminds us that the search for effective treatments must continue, but safely, so that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact Zinnia Health today at (855) 430-9439 to learn about our treatment options. Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Sources
- https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ketamine
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression-when-and-where-is-it-safe-202208092797
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-treatment-resistant-depression-available-only-certified
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/what-to-know-about-ketamine
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32631129/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29339294/
Related Articles