Finding the right treatment is not an easy feat, especially for those struggling with treatment-resistant conditions. Microdosing is a common practice for those seeking the therapeutic benefits, but it can be drastically different than experiencing a proper Ketamine Therapy session. Here are the differences, similarities, and misconceptions of both treatment options for your mental health.
How Ketamine Works
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug with dissociative properties. It works by blocking the NMDA receptors in the brain, causing a surge of glutamate. Ketamine Therapy promotes increased neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections, better mood regulation, and a reduction in negative thought patterns, which often come with various mental health disorders.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is a transformative treatment option for people struggling with various mental health challenges, with its rapid onset of effects and symptom relief. The medicine is administered intramuscularly (IM), intranasally (IV), or nasally. IM is the preferred way of administration due to fewer side effects. A typical Ketamine Therapy session consists of three common phases, including:
- Preparation phase: A compassionate Guide is helping the patient achieve the right state of mind before the session by doing breathwork, grounding exercises, and meditations.
- Medication phase: A dose of ketamine is injected into the large muscle of the shoulder by a medical professional. The patient is medically monitored throughout the whole session.
- Integration phase: The Guide is there to support the patient post-session by helping them integrate the experiences and insights learned from the session. The integration phase can include journaling, art therapy, mindfulness, and meditation.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Ketamine Therapy offers various administration methods and guidance levels, tailored to the patient’s preference and therapeutic needs. Some of the Ketamine Therapy services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: Experience a one-on-one Ketamine Therapy treatment with extensive preparation and integration phases led by a trusted Guide of choice. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: Experience a balanced Ketamine Therapy treatment with limited preparation and integration, led by a compassionate Guide. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV).
IV Ketamine Infusions: A ketamine treatment administered intravenously (IV), with similar elements of Semi-Guided Therapy.
Couples Ketamine Therapy: Strengthen and rebuild the relationship with your partner by fixing individual or shared mental health problems. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: Healing while being surrounded by supportive, like-minded individuals, in a group setting with up to 6 people. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Spravato Treatment (Esketamine): An FDA-approved nasal spray, self-administered under strict medical monitoring. The treatment is sprayed into the nose 2-3 times, each spaced five minutes apart.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is an evidence-based treatment offering rapid effects that can be felt within hours or days of the initial session. The treatment has shown efficacy in alleviating the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in people who haven’t experienced relief from traditional antidepressants. Ketamine Therapy can also help people with other mental health conditions, such as:
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Chronic pain and headaches
- Substance use disorders
- Hospice and palliative care needs
- Personal growth and healing
”Set and Setting”
Ketamine Therapy offers healing in a safe and controlled environment, focusing on two important aspects ”Set and Setting”. The Set refers to the right mindset that’s achieved before each session, by guiding the patient with meditation and grounding exercises. The Setting is a comfortable environment in which the patient feels safe and supported. Together, they can lead to higher efficacy of the treatment and deeper emotional healing.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing refers to consuming low doses of a chosen substance, usually psychedelics, to achieve euphoric or dissociative experiences. In most cases, consuming substances through microdosing for subtle effects, compared to therapeutic doses.
Microdosing is considered the cheaper option compared to administration in a clinical setting, but this option is usually unpredictable and can lead to addiction, since doses are not precise and there is no medical supervision to minimize risks.
Ketamine Therapy vs Microdosing: A Comparative Overview
One of the main differences between microdosing and going to a ketamine clinic is the lack of psychotherapy that is available during Ketamine Therapy sessions. To better understand the two, here is a comparative view of the key aspects of both treatments:
| Ketamine Therapy | Microdosing | |
| Setting | Clinic | At-home |
| Administration | IM, IV, nasally | Orally, nasally, injected |
| Dosage | Percise dose | Unregulated dose |
| Medical Supervision | Yes | No |
| Side Effects | Nausea, high blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches | Nausea and vomiting, light-headedness, increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased risk of addiction |
| Cost | High-end | Depending on the location/market |
Safety Above All Else
Before deciding on going to the clinic for a controlled approach or an at-home microdosing treatment, it’s best to consider both options. Learn more about Ketamine Therapy services at Kadelyx Health and see if the clinical approach can support your therapeutic journey.
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