Unraveling the Mysteries of Psychedelic Medicine: A Deep Dive into Ketamine Therapy
If you're a healthcare clinician eager to understand the intricacies of being a ketamine therapy provider and business owner in the rapidly evolving world of psychedelic medicine. In that case, you're in the right place.
Insight 1: Public Awareness of Psychedelics Doesn't Equate to Knowledge About Ketamine
Despite the growing popularity of psychedelics, many people are still unfamiliar with ketamine. Some only recognize it as a party drug, while others don't consider it a pharmaceutical at all. Still, ketamine is the only psychedelic that can legally be prescribed in the US. Ketamine works by relaxing inhibitory pathways in the brain, unlike classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca that override these pathways. The lack of awareness about ketamine therapy isn't surprising, but the frequency of misinformation is. This reinforces the need for continued education and awareness about the benefits and uses of ketamine treatment.
Insight 2: Every Psychedelic Medicine, Including Ketamine, Has Its Unique Tradition
While ketamine may not have the deep cultural roots of plant medicines like ayahuasca or peyote, it has its own unique history. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has evolved into a powerful tool for treating mood and pain disorders. Respecting its history means acknowledging its dual usage in Western medicine and recreational use, and its emerging role in the world of therapeutic treatments.
Insight 3: Legal Doesn't Always Mean Wise When It Comes to Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is a legal psychedelic medication, which is excellent news for ketamine patients and providers. However, increased awareness also opens the door to potential misuse of illegally acquired ketamine. There's a wide variation in ketamine therapy delivery, and while this flexibility can be beneficial, it can also be risky. As Dr. Raquel Bennett wisely noted during a panel on ketamine therapy, just because something is legal, it doesn't necessarily mean it's wise.
Insight 4: Psychedelics Aren't a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
As clinicians, we understand that no therapy or medication is universally effective. However, the benefits of psychedelic therapies can sometimes be overstated, making them sound like a panacea. It's crucial to remember that while most patients may experience dramatic improvements, others may require boosters or not respond at all. One of the most important parts of providing IV ketamine therapy is screening, which sometimes means we have to say “No.”
Insight 5: Psychedelic Medicines Amplify the Patient's Mindset
Psychedelics act as mental amplifiers, intensifying whatever is in our patient’s mind. Therefore, factors that can affect their mental state, such as mindset, intention, and the individuals providing the psychedelic therapy, can significantly impact the experience. This underscores the importance of creating a safe, healing environment for the patient and fostering a supportive mindset.
Insight 6: The Importance of Connections
Rejuvenate social connections. You may have the pleasure of rekindling old friendships and making new acquaintances! In the ketamine infusion field, we can sometimes feel like outsiders compared to traditional healthcare colleagues. However, the thought of making connections can give us a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which left us spiritually and emotionally recharged.
Insight 7: It’s Not Just What You Do, But Who You Are
The psychedelic medicine sphere always triggers lively debates about who should be providing services like ketamine therapy. As ketamine therapy clinicians, our presence, demeanor, and communication with patients are just as crucial as our specific training and expertise.
Conclusion
Balancing the potential of ketamine therapy with the need for safety, wisdom, and full disclosure is key. Of equal importance is nurturing the professional and personal connections that sustain us in our work. Fellow ketamine therapy providers or future ones, let's remember that it's not just what we do but who we are that makes a difference for our patients. Stay curious and connected.
Hot Take
This blog post offers seven key insights ranging from the current state of ketamine awareness to the importance of connections in the industry. If you are one of the aspiring clinicians who would like to learn how to start your own ketamine therapy practice, register for our free Ketamine Clinic Masterclass today and start learning with the experts!
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