A medication originally developed as an anesthetic that also has emerging, carefully controlled uses for treatment-resistant depression and some mental health conditions—but is also misused recreationally for its dissociative effects.
In the context of addiction treatment:
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Medical use: In some settings, low-dose, carefully monitored ketamine (or ketamine-assisted therapy) is being studied or used for certain conditions under strict protocols.
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Misuse: Street ketamine or non-medical use can lead to physical, mental, and bladder problems, and can complicate recovery.
What to know:
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Any ketamine treatment should be clinician-guided and structured, not self-directed use.
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Misuse in party or club settings can include memory problems, accidents, and risky behavior.
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People with a history of addiction require careful evaluation before any ketamine-based treatment is considered.
Example:
A person in recovery with severe, treatment-resistant depression discusses the risks and benefits of supervised ketamine therapy with a psychiatrist and their addiction team before making a decision.