What is ketamine infusion therapy? And does ketamine therapy get you high?
Ketamine infusion therapy is becoming a popular treatment for people struggling with conditions like depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. It's an exciting option, especially for those who haven't found relief with traditional treatments. In a controlled setting, ketamine is given through an IV to help reset the brain's connections and improve mood. This treatment can provide fast results, sometimes in just a few sessions. But one of the most common questions people have is, does ketamine therapy get you high? While ketamine does cause altered feelings or sensations, it's very different from recreational drug use. The experience is carefully monitored to ensure safety.
If you're wondering, how long does a ketamine infusion last or what to expect during the process, you're in the right place. In this blog we’ll break it all down, so you can better understand how ketamine infusion works and whether it's the right fit for you.
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment where ketamine, a medication originally used as an anesthetic, is administered through an IV (intravenous) to help manage mental health conditions and chronic pain. This therapy is often used for individuals who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments like antidepressants. Ketamine works by affecting brain chemistry, specifically targeting the NMDA receptors and increasing levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and neural connections.
The process involves receiving a controlled dose of ketamine in a comfortable clinic setting while being closely monitored by healthcare professionals. It typically lasts about 40 minutes to an hour. For many patients, the treatment brings rapid relief from symptoms, sometimes even after just one session. Ketamine infusion therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for those who qualify, it can offer significant improvement in mood and pain levels, especially when other treatments have failed.
What Happens During a Ketamine Infusion Session?
During a ketamine infusion session, you'll first meet with a healthcare provider who will explain the process and check your health history. After that, you'll be made comfortable in a chair or bed, and an IV will be placed in your arm to administer the ketamine. The dose is carefully calculated based on your specific needs and condition.
Once the infusion begins, you'll be monitored by medical staff to ensure your safety. The session usually lasts about 40 minutes, which is the conventional duration for this treatment. Many people experience a sense of calm, relaxation, or even a dream‑like state as the ketamine takes effect. According to the Science Direct some report feeling detached from their surroundings or a sense of floating. These effects are temporary and monitored closely by the clinic staff.
After the infusion, you'll rest for a bit in a recovery area while your team keeps an eye on your vitals. Most people feel normal within 30 minutes to an hour, and you’ll be able to go home after a short period of observation.
Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
One of the most common questions about ketamine therapy is whether it will make you "high." While ketamine can cause some feelings of detachment, relaxation, or a dream-like state, it is quite different from recreational drug use. In a clinical setting, ketamine is administered in controlled doses under the supervision of trained professionals. The effects are temporary and intended to help with conditions like depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Many people report feeling a sense of floating or being "disconnected" from their surroundings during the treatment, which is often described as a dissociative experience. However, this feeling is part of the therapy’s mechanism to reset the brain’s connections and improve mental health. It’s important to note that these effects are closely monitored and typically wear off once the infusion is complete. So, while ketamine therapy may alter your perception during the session, it’s not the same as the high you might associate with street drugs. The focus is on healing, not recreation.
Benefits & Evidence for Ketamine Infusion Therapy
The evidence for ketamine infusion therapy shows that it can provide rapid and meaningful relief for conditions like treatment‑resistant depression and chronic pain. Studies indicate that a single low‑dose infusion often leads to symptom improvement within hours. While more research is needed on long‑term effects, many patients experience significant benefits when other treatments have not worked.
Here are some of the main benefits of ketamine infusion therapy:
Rapid onset of effect: In adults with treatment‑resistant depression, single IV ketamine infusions produced antidepressant effects within roughly 24 hours.
Reduction in suicidal ideation: Some controlled trials found that ketamine infusions quickly reduced suicidal thoughts compared to placebo.
Broad applicability: Evidence suggests benefit not only for depression but also for PTSD and certain chronic pain conditions.
Ketamine is thought to stimulate synaptogenesis and improve neural plasticity, which may underlie longer‑term mood improvements.
For individuals who have not responded to standard antidepressants or pain therapies, ketamine infusion provides an alternate path.
Why Do Some People Feel “High” During Ketamine Therapy?
When you undergo ketamine infusion therapy, the way it affects your brain plays a big role in why some people experience sensations similar to being "high." Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, which are involved in regulating pain and mood. These receptors are part of the brain's glutamate system, and when ketamine blocks them, it causes an increase in the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity. This surge in glutamate activates other receptors in the brain, leading to changes in how your brain functions.
One of the key changes is the activation of brain pathways that are involved in synaptic plasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to form new connections. This may result in altered perceptions and a sense of detachment from your surroundings, commonly described as a floating or dream-like sensation. These experiences are not the same as a recreational high, but they are part of how ketamine helps reset brain activity and promote healing.
Because ketamine is administered in a controlled environment, the effects are closely monitored. The dose used in therapy is much lower than what’s typically used in recreational settings, making the “high” milder and more therapeutic in nature. These altered states of consciousness are temporary and help create space for new mental and emotional patterns to emerge, which can significantly improve mood and pain management.
Conclusion
Ketamine infusion therapy offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. While it may cause some temporary alterations in perception, these effects are carefully controlled in a medical setting and are part of the healing process. By resetting brain pathways and promoting neural plasticity, ketamine therapy can bring rapid relief where traditional treatments have fallen short.
At Mass Mind Center, we specialize in offering ketamine infusion therapy to help individuals regain control over their mental health and well-being. Our team of experienced professionals ensures that each session is safe, monitored, and tailored to your unique needs. We combine the latest in medical research with compassionate care to provide a transformative experience. Whether you are seeking relief from depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, we are here to guide you through the process in a supportive and healing environment.
At MassMind Center, we believe in the power of innovation and personalized treatment to help you achieve long-term mental wellness. Reach out today to learn more about how ketamine therapy can work for you.
