Ketamine therapy has gained popularity as a breakthrough treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. However, many people wonder: Does ketamine therapy get you high? This is a common concern, as ketamine is also known as a party drug. While ketamine has mind-altering effects, its use in therapy is very different from recreational use. In this article, we’ll explore how ketamine therapy works, its effects, safety, and what to expect during a session.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy involves the controlled medical use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, to treat mental health conditions and chronic pain. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to work, ketamine often provides rapid relief, sometimes within hours.
In medical settings, ketamine is administered through intravenous (IV) infusions, nasal sprays (like Spravato), or intramuscular injections. It is always given under professional supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. The goal of ketamine therapy is not to induce a high but to rewire the brain and create new neural connections that help improve mood and reduce symptoms of mental illness.
Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
This is a common question, and the answer is both yes and no—depending on how you define “high.”
- Yes, ketamine alters perception – During a session, some people experience dissociation, euphoria, or dream-like sensations, which may feel similar to being high.
- No, it’s not the same as recreational use – In a medical setting, ketamine is used at controlled doses, monitored by professionals, and designed to help healing rather than for intoxication.
Unlike street ketamine, which is often misused at higher doses for a hallucinogenic high, therapeutic ketamine is carefully measured to produce a therapeutic dissociation—not a recreational experience.
How Does Ketamine Make You Feel?
Each person experiences ketamine therapy differently, but common sensations include:
- Mild dissociation – A feeling of being detached from reality, like floating or watching yourself from outside your body.
- Relaxation and calmness – Many people feel deeply relaxed, almost as if they are in a dreamlike state.
- Emotional openness – Some individuals experience heightened emotions or vivid memories, which can be helpful for therapy.
- Changes in perception – Colors, sounds, and time may feel different, but this usually fades after the session.
Most people do not feel “high” in the recreational sense, but rather enter a deep, meditative, or dissociative state that can help with emotional processing and healing.
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
Yes, when administered by trained professionals, ketamine therapy is generally safe. The doses used in medical settings are much lower than those used recreationally, and patients are monitored throughout the session. However, ketamine therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- A history of psychosis
- Substance abuse disorders (without medical oversight)
Before starting treatment, doctors carefully screen patients to ensure that ketamine is a safe option for them.
Can You Get Addicted to Ketamine Therapy?
While recreational ketamine use can lead to addiction, ketamine therapy is different. Medical ketamine is administered under strict supervision, reducing the risk of dependence.
However, some individuals may develop a psychological reliance on ketamine therapy if they associate it with relief from their symptoms. To prevent this, medical professionals limit the number of sessions and encourage patients to combine ketamine therapy with other treatments like counseling, lifestyle changes, and traditional medications.
How Long Do Ketamine Effects Last?
The immediate effects of ketamine (such as dissociation and relaxation) typically last 45 minutes to 2 hours after the session. However, the therapeutic benefits can last much longer.
For conditions like depression and PTSD, ketamine’s positive effects can last days, weeks, or even months after just a few sessions. Some patients require maintenance treatments to sustain the benefits.
Who Can Get Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is typically recommended for individuals who have not found relief with traditional treatments. This includes people with:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic pain conditions (like fibromyalgia)
However, not everyone is a good candidate. A doctor will evaluate your medical history before approving ketamine therapy.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like any medical treatment, ketamine therapy has potential side effects. These are usually mild and temporary, but it’s important to be aware of them:
- Dizziness or nausea
- Mild hallucinations
- Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
- Fatigue or confusion after the session
Most side effects go away within a few hours. Serious side effects are rare when ketamine is administered in a clinical setting.
What Should You Expect During a Session?
Ketamine therapy sessions are carefully monitored and designed to be comfortable and safe. Here’s what typically happens:
- Pre-Treatment Assessment – A doctor will review your medical history and discuss what to expect.
- Administration of Ketamine – The medication is given via IV, nasal spray, or injection.
- Relaxation and Monitoring – You will sit or lie down while being monitored by medical staff. Some clinics provide eye masks, music, or guided therapy to enhance relaxation.
- Post-Treatment Recovery – After the session, you may rest for 30-60 minutes before going home.
Can You Drive After Ketamine Therapy?
No, you should not drive immediately after a ketamine session. The effects can impair coordination and judgment for several hours. It’s best to have a friend or family member drive you home.
How Long Do Ketamine Effects Last?
As mentioned earlier, the short-term effects last a few hours, but the therapeutic benefits can last days or weeks. Many people notice a reduction in depression and anxiety after just one or two sessions.
Can You Get Addicted to Ketamine Therapy?
While ketamine therapy is not physically addictive like opioids, some people may become psychologically dependent if they rely on it for relief. This is why doctors carefully regulate treatment schedules.
Thoughts on Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy offers hope for individuals struggling with depression, PTSD, and chronic pain, especially when other treatments have failed. While it does produce mind-altering effects, these are temporary and therapeutic rather than recreational. As research continues, ketamine therapy is proving to be a game-changing treatment in mental health care.
The Bottom Line
Ketamine therapy does not get you high in the traditional sense, but it does create a temporary dissociative experience that can help with healing. It is a safe, effective, and medically supervised treatment for many mental health conditions. If you’re considering ketamine therapy, talk to a qualified professional to see if it’s right for you.
