Ketamine’s evolution as a drug and treatment over the decades.

Throughout the years, ketamine has served multiple purposes that have all impacted the way it is viewed by the public. What started out as an anesthetic has now become known as a party drug, horse tranquilizer, and most importantly, a psychological breakthrough. Let’s discuss & debunk some of the most common myths about ketamine that are ever-present in popular culture.

“Ketamine is a party drug”

Similar to plenty of other medications/treatments, when taken recreationally and not under the supervision of medical professionals for its intended purpose, ketamine can be a dangerous drug. Recreational users oftentimes take extremely high & unsafe amounts of ketamine, which can be extremely harmful and dangerous.

“Ketamine is a horse tranquilizer”

While it is true that veterinarians administer ketamine to horses as a tranquilizer, they use marginally higher doses than what humans receive. That’s where the main difference is – in the amount administered to humans versus animals, like horses.

“Ketamine puts you in a state of psychosis”

When a proper dosage of ketamine is administered by licensed medical professionals, ketamine does not put patients in a state of psychosis. It is possible for ketamine to create a dream-like state for patients, but this only occurs very, very briefly, if at all.

“Ketamine is addictive”

If administered by licensed medical professionals, ketamine is not known to cause physical dependency.

“Ketamine is dangerous”

Ketamine is a very safe treatment when it is administered properly by trained medical professionals. They monitor patients carefully to ensure that no undesirable side effects arise, and they also provide support to patients.