Ketamine Journey Experience
Ketamine as a Psychedelic
Although ketamine works on different parts of the brain than classic psychedelics, the experience is very similar. One of the main perceived advantages of ketamine in treatment is it provides a sense of cognitive or bodily distance due to its unique dual nature as both a psychedelic and dissociative medication.
Psychedelic properties include visual imagery, altered sensory perceptions, enhanced memory associations, and access to mystical states of consciousness.
Dissociation is a temporary and altered state of consciousness allowing feelings of disconnection from sense of self, body, or surroundings.
The distance experienced during the ketamine infusion allows you to experience separation from your thoughts, feelings, or past traumas and provides a way to process and release them without feeling overwhelmed. It also includes instant increased neuroplasticity in the brain, which means it reintroduces the ability of the brain to create change and alter unhealthy emotional patterns of functioning.
Ketamine also includes instantly increased neuroplasticity in the brain, which means it reintroduces the ability of the brain to create change and alter unhealthy emotional patterns of functioning.
What does a ketamine infusion feel like?
Initially, a sense of warmth spreads throughout your body and it may feel heavy or light, followed by feelings of lightness or floating. Most people experience a sensation of slight separation between themselves and their bodies, with hands and legs feeling distant.
Some report seeing vivid colors or hearing altered sounds while others do not. The amount or intensity of your experience will not dictate the depth of insight you may receive as this will evolve and emerge to you over time and not necessarily in the medicine session. You might experience a change in your thoughts and emotions, feeling disconnected from your usual worries, with a clear and uncluttered mind, similar to meditating.
Towards the end, you may feel fatigued or disoriented for a few minutes, but this typically passes quickly, leaving most people feeling calm after their ketamine session. However, every patient has their own unique experience so approach your infusion with an open mind.
How can I be prepared for the ketamine infusion?
This patient portal of resources should provide many of the tools you need to feel prepared and ready to engage in your ketamine therapy. It is often recommended that after working through the guide categories, you also embrace the idea that letting go of controlling the experience will help bring better results.
This is a journey toward healing. Imagine you are on a hike through a lush landscape and you want to fully connect to nature. What might happen if during that hike, you were to read a book, scroll through social media, or try to complete a customer survey “rating” your experience? You might miss the beauty of the clouds, the warmth of the sun, or the smell of the flowers on the trail. When we are trying to solve a problem or overthink, we can miss out on what being present is trying to show us. Approach your ketamine session like that hike. Do some planning, then let go and fully engage in the experience of the journey. You can share what you experienced when you return home and can reflect.
Please note…it is always encouraged to seek the assistance of a psychotherapist or trained psychedelic support system to help with your healing process. This portal is available to help enhance your treatment results.