Ketamine therapy, particularly in the form of IV ketamine infusion therapy, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its rapid-acting relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. With clinics like Mind Body Centers offering this innovative treatment in locations such as Burnsville, MN, and Gilbert, AZ, many individuals are curious about the nature of ketamine therapy and what to expect from the experience. One of the most common questions we hear is: Does ketamine therapy get you high?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of ketamine infusion therapy, the distinction between its therapeutic and recreational use, and why ketamine administered in a clinical setting is a safe, controlled, and effective treatment for mental health conditions.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that has been used for decades in medical settings, particularly for surgery and pain management. Originally developed in the 1960s, ketamine quickly became a staple in emergency and surgical medicine due to its fast-acting and dissociative properties. More recently, researchers have discovered that low-dose ketamine, administered under medical supervision, can produce rapid and significant improvements in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain conditions.
In ketamine infusion therapy, patients receive a controlled dose of ketamine through an IV under close monitoring by healthcare professionals. The dose used in therapeutic settings is far lower than what would be used for anesthesia or recreational purposes.
Does Ketamine Therapy Produce a “High”?
To understand whether ketamine infusion therapy can make you feel “high,” it’s essential to define what is meant by “high.” Recreational users of ketamine often seek out its dissociative effects, which can include altered perceptions of reality, out-of-body experiences, or a euphoric feeling. These effects occur at higher doses and are typically associated with ketamine abuse.
In contrast, ketamine therapy involves much lower doses specifically tailored to treat conditions like depression or chronic pain. The goal of therapeutic ketamine is not to induce euphoria or dissociation but to leverage ketamine’s impact on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly glutamate, which is believed to promote neuroplasticity and improve mood.
Common Experiences During Ketamine Infusion Therapy
While ketamine therapy does not produce the “high” that recreational users seek, patients may experience certain sensations or feelings during their treatment. Some of these include:
- Dissociation: At therapeutic doses, many patients report feeling a sense of detachment from their body or surroundings. This is not the same as a drug-induced high but is more accurately described as a “floaty” sensation. This mild dissociation often subsides shortly after the infusion ends.
- Altered Perception of Time and Space: During ketamine infusion, some patients feel that time moves slower or faster than normal, or they may experience slight visual or auditory changes. Again, this is not typically experienced as a high but as a temporary alteration of sensory perception.
- Relaxation and Calmness: Many patients describe a deep sense of calm or relaxation during and after their infusion. This effect can be especially profound for individuals who have been struggling with anxiety or depression for long periods.
It’s important to note that these experiences are brief and carefully monitored by our clinical team at Mind Body Centers. Patients are not left alone during their infusion, and the dosage is always adjusted based on the individual’s needs and reactions.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Ketamine Without the Risks
Unlike recreational ketamine use, which can lead to addiction, memory issues, and other harmful side effects, IV ketamine therapy in a medical setting is safe and highly controlled. The doses administered are carefully calibrated to achieve therapeutic benefits without inducing the hallucinatory or euphoric effects associated with recreational use.
Ketamine therapy works by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain, increasing the production of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. This process encourages new neural connections to form, improving brain plasticity and helping patients “re-wire” negative thought patterns. This biological effect is what sets ketamine therapy apart from traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to begin working.
Additionally, because the dose is administered in a precise, monitored manner, there is significantly lower risk of patients experiencing serious side effects when receiving it as part of a therapeutic regimen. Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment designed to relieve suffering, not to create altered states of consciousness or intoxication.
Ketamine Therapy vs. Recreational Ketamine Use
It’s essential to draw a clear line between ketamine infusion therapy and the recreational use of ketamine. When ketamine is used outside of a clinical setting—often in higher doses and without medical supervision—it can produce intense dissociative effects, hallucinations, and a profound sense of detachment from reality. Recreational users refer to this state as a “K-hole.”
This type of recreational use is not only illegal but also highly dangerous. Street ketamine is often unregulated and impure, meaning users have no way of knowing what they are truly ingesting. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about ketamine being laced with other dangerous substances, such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is an incredibly potent opioid that can be lethal even in very small doses. The risk of accidental overdose from fentanyl-contaminated street drugs has skyrocketed, making recreational use of ketamine even more hazardous.
When you receive ketamine therapy at Mind Body Centers, you can be assured that the ketamine used is medical-grade, pure, and safe. We source our ketamine from reputable pharmaceutical suppliers, and it is administered in precise, controlled doses by licensed medical professionals. This guarantees that the medication you receive is clean and free from contaminants—unlike street ketamine, which may be mixed with harmful substances.
By choosing ketamine infusion therapy in a clinical setting, you not only receive the therapeutic benefits under professional supervision, but you also avoid the life-threatening risks associated with street ketamine. Knowing that the ketamine you are receiving is both safe and effective allows you to focus on your treatment without fear of dangerous side effects or contamination.
What To Expect After Ketamine Therapy
After a ketamine infusion session, most patients will feel calm and relaxed. Some may experience mild drowsiness or fatigue, which is why we require you to have someone available to drive you home and recommended to avoid engaging in physically demanding activities for the rest of the day.
Importantly, patients typically do not experience any lingering feelings of dissociation or euphoria once the effects of the ketamine wear off. Instead, many begin to notice improvements in their mood, clarity of thought, and overall well-being within hours or days of their session. For individuals suffering from severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, these improvements can be life-changing.
Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
If you’re considering ketamine infusion therapy for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, it’s natural to have questions. One of the most significant concerns is whether the therapy will alter your state of consciousness in a way that is uncomfortable or unwanted. At Mind Body Centers, our priority is to ensure that every patient feels safe, informed, and in control throughout their treatment. While ketamine therapy can produce mild, temporary sensations of dissociation, it does not induce a “high” in the way recreational drugs do. Our Patient Care Providers stay with you the entire time of your treatment to ensure your safety and comfort.
Instead, IV ketamine therapy offers a safe, effective, and fast-acting solution for those who have not found relief through traditional treatments. If you’re ready to explore the potential of ketamine therapy and take the first step towards healing, we encourage you to contact Mind Body Centers today.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
With clinics in Burnsville, MN, and Gilbert, AZ, Mind Body Centers offers cutting-edge ketamine infusion therapy administered by experienced professionals. Whether you’re seeking relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, our compassionate team is here to help. Call us today at 1-855-481-9605 or visit our website to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to wellness.