Are you afraid of needles? How about being trapped in your own mind for what feels like an eternity? That’s exactly what happened to me during my ketamine treatment. It was a nightmare come to life, but I survived it and came out the other side with a newfound appreciation for life. Join me as I share my story and the lessons I learned from one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a general anesthetic that has been used in veterinary and human medicine for more than 50 years. It was developed as an alternative to barbiturates and currently enjoys widespread use across the globe. Ketamine is also used recreationally, particularly in the form of “Special K” (ketamine hydrochloride).
When used therapeutically, ketamine produces a near-weightless state that allows for extensive surgery. When abused, however, ketamine can produce a wide array of negative side effects, including:
tics (irregular movements)
nausea and vomiting
anxiety and confusion
delirium and hallucinations
How Does Ketamine Affect the Brain?
Ketamine is a drug that can be used as an anesthetic during surgery. It has also been used in research to study how the brain works and to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cluster headaches. Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and has a low potential for abuse.
When ketamine is administered intravenously, it binds to receptors in the brain called NMDA receptors. These receptors are responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the brain. When ketamine binds to these receptors, it causes neurons to fire abnormally fast. This process creates a feeling of euphoria and dissociation similar to what people feel when they are under anesthesia.
The effects of ketamine last about 60 minutes and can last up to three hours when injected intravenously or subcutaneously. The most common side effects of ketamine include dizziness, hallucinations, and amnesia. Serious side effects include kidney problems, respiratory failure, and death.
What to Expect During Treatment with Ketamine
The treatment itself is relatively short, typically lasting around an hour. However, the experience can be a very intense one as ketamine is known to produce dissociative effects. Dissociation occurs when the parts of the brain that are responsible for thinking, feeling and experiencing reality become disconnected. This can lead to feelings of being out of body or feeling like you are in a dream. During treatment with ketamine, it is common to experience hallucination and delusions which can be extremely unsettling and frightening. It is important to remember that these effects will last only a short time and will eventually subside.
Although ketamine typically produces intense hallucinations and delusions during treatment, it is also reported to have a number of benefits including reducing pain levels and improving moods. This makes it an appealing option for people who are seeking relief from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain or PTSD. It is important to keep in mind that although ketamine may be helpful in some cases, it should not be used as a replacement for professional counseling or therapy.
My Nightmare with Ketamine
I had the worst experience with ketamine ever. I was given the drug by a doctor to help me deal with anxiety, but it turned into a nightmare.
The first time I took ketamine, I felt like I was going to wake up from the dream. The second time was even worse. My mind was all jumbled up and I couldn’t focus on anything. That’s when the scary hallucinations started.
First, I saw people walking around in circles and then they started changing into animals. Then things got really bad and I started seeing faces that weren’t there AT ALL! It was like someone had pulled all the curtains closed in my head, leaving me completely alone with my fears.
It took days for me to get over that one and thankfully, the hallucinations haven’t come back since then. But what I Learned From My Nightmare With Ketamine is that you have to be very careful when taking this drug – it can be incrediblydangerous if not used correctly!
The Aftermath of My Treatment with Ketamine
I vividly remember the day I decided to go see a specialist about my depression. I was in a pretty dark place, and had been for years. But something told me that going to see a doctor might be the thing that finally got me out of this rut.
The specialist I saw was a psychiatrist who specialized in treating psychiatric conditions with ketamine. She recommended that I try out the treatment, and after doing some research on my own, I decided it would be a good idea for me.
I went ahead and booked an appointment with the clinic, and anxiously awaited my treatment. As soon as I walked into the clinic, I could feel my heart racing. This is it, I thought to myself. This is going to fix everything.
My ketamine treatment lasted for about two hours, and during that time I felt like I was floating through the sky. It was one of the most surreal experiences of my life, and it completely changed how I felt about my depression.
Since then, I’ve done more research on ketamine treatments and discovered that they’re not just used to treat psychiatric conditions like mine – they’re also used as an addiction therapy for people struggling with opioid abuse or drug addiction in general. And while there are risks associated with using ketamine as an addiction therapy (like hallucinations), overall it seems to be a very effective treatment option when it comes to helping people quit their addictions.
Conclusion
This article is about my experience with ketamine, and how it has changed my life for the better. I hope that by sharing my story, other people will be able to find the courage to seek help if they are struggling with a mental health issue. Mental illness can be extremely frightening and isolating, but with proper treatment and support, it is possible to overcome any obstacle. Thank you for reading!
