There are many myths surrounding ketamine that are untrue, keeping people from getting the help they need for mental health issues. Ketamine treatments are getting more and more popular as they’re helping people better manage symptoms of mental health issues. And, are found as effective in reducing specific symptoms of mental health issues like depression. However, myths that surround ketamine for mental health can keep people from trusting this revolutionary, helpful treatment.

Identifying and unearthing the myths that surround ketamine treatments for mental health can help to debunk these myths and encourage people with mental health issues to consider this kind of mental health treatment.

Ketamine is Just a Drug Used for Partying

It is true that ketamine can be abused and used in a party atmosphere. However, that’s not the only way it can be used. Certainly, when taken in large doses and not modified for medical use, ketamine can become addictive. But, when used in a medical setting, is guided by use from a medical practitioner, and is used in low doses, ketamine infusion therapy is extremely different than when it’s used in a party setting.

When taken in a medical setting, ketamine doses are up to ten times less potent than when it’s taken in a party atmosphere. In addition, ketamine treatment for mental health is helpful in treating a number of issues. Specifically, treatment-resistant depression, which is when symptoms of depressive disorders are not being relieved by traditional treatment methods such as SSRIs.

Ketamine Treatments Can Get You Addicted to Ketamine

This is one of the myths that scare people who need alternative mental health treatment methods from considering ketamine therapies. Certainly, ketamine, used in a party setting and at high doses, can become addictive. However, there is not a chance of physical dependence or developing an addiction when it is used in a medical setting for mental health issues. This is because during medical treatments using ketamine for mental health reasons, the dosing of ketamine is much, much lower. Ketamine treatments like infusions or nasal spray therapies use a very low dosing of ketamine and is administered during a specific amount of time, only allowing for a very low dose of ketamine throughout an extended period. Thus, making it completely safe and non-habit-forming.

Ketamine is Used for Veterinary Purposes

This myth is actually not a myth. It’s true that ketamine has previously been used in veterinary practices as a tranquilizer for large livestock like horses. However, this was before it was known that ketamine can be used in other medical settings. And, since, it has been taken off the shelves of veterinary practices and is no longer used as a sedative in veterinary medicine. Different drugs have different uses and some medications are even used for multiple needs. Science is ever-evolving and what we know about medications and active substances is only growing. So, while ketamine was previously used as a veterinary medicine, it is now known that it can be helpful in other areas, specifically, mental health treatments.

Considering Ketamine Treatments for Mental Health Issues

Now that you know some more truth about ketamine for mental health, you may feel more comfortable about considering this treatment for mental health issues like treatment-resistant depression. If you find that methods of depression treatment aren’t working for you and you’d like to try something else, ketamine treatments may be right for you. Find out more about ketamine treatments for mental health at Delray Integrative Medicine, an outpatient mental health facility in Delray Beach, learn more on our website.