In general, YES.

An old saying goes, “All medicines are poisons, and all poisons are medicines.” It depends on the person, the setting, the dosage, the route and speed of administration, the frequency of treatments. As an example, we all require oxygen to live. Earth’s atmosphere is about 21% oxygen. If we breath 100% oxygen for longer than 24 hours, the oxygen begins to damage our lungs, eventually killing us.

Ketamine, when used responsibly in a medical setting, is relatively very safe. Blood pressure and heart rate tend to go up very slightly during the infusion and return to baseline within 30 minutes after infusion. Breathing rate tends to be unchanged; airways dilate (beneficial for asthma). Kidney and liver function are maintained. There are no blood clotting problems.

For some people with pre-existing problems, even responsible use can cause significant problems, and ketamine may not be appropriate. These pre-existing problems include:

1. Coronary artery disease with frequent angina
2. Heart rhythm abnormalities
3. Poorly controlled blood pressure
4. Presence of thoracic/abdominal aneurysm
5. History of cerebral aneurysm or hemorrhagic stroke
6. In New Mexico, Familial Cerebral Cavernous Malformation
7. Cirrhosis
8. History psychosis/schizophrenia
9. You are in manic phase of bipolar disorder
10. Previous misuse/abuse of ketamine
11. Pregnancy

Any drug can be misused or abused.

Some drugs, such as opiates, have a relatively high addiction potential.

Ketamine has relatively low addiction potential, especially when used in a responsible medical setting.

Higher dosages and more frequent administration may increase the risk of addiction.

When misuse/abuse does occur, in addition to the socio-behavioral problems that occur with any addiction, ketamine misuse is associated with (bladder) cystitis, renal failure, hepatic (liver) toxicity, cholangitis (gall bladder), and, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, can cause death.

If you begin to crave the “feeling” you have when you’re receiving ketamine, let your provider know. The “feeling” that you have during ketamine infusion is not necessary for any sustained benefit from your treatment. Craving is a potential warning sign for misuse.

The short answer: we are still learning about the multiple effects of ketamine upon the mind-body.

We do know some of the effects that seem very important in changing depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, substance/alcohol abuse, irritable bowel, etc.

Ketamine acts upon the glutamate system in the body as what is called an NMDA receptor antagonist. In the brain, this results in a period of neuroplasticity following an infusion. This neuroplasticity is associated with an increase in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor which is associated with a rapid growth of new nerve endings, new connections between different parts of the brain. The neuroplasticity begins as early as 30 minutes of completing the infusion, is most intense for about 3 days, and then wanes over the next 4 days. The initial 3 days is often referred to as the “neuroplastic window.” The actual “neuroplastic window” is up to 7 days, although certainly most pronounced in the first 3 days. During the “neuroplastic window,” new emotional patterns and new behavioral patterns emerge. With integration practices, these new patterns have the chance to become permanent.

Ketamine also acts upon the gut-brain axis (see FAQ: GUT-BRAIN AXIS). Quickly following ketamine infusion, the makeup of the gut bacteria changes. Bacteria that promote inflammation in the gut, and secondarily promote inflammation throughout the body/brain, are replaced by anti-inflammatory bacteria. The mechanisms by which ketamine causes these changes is not clearly understood. With integration practices, these new patterns have the chance to become permanent.

Ketamine acts directly upon immune cells in the brain and the periphery (body outside the brain). The exact mechanisms by which ketamine alters the immune system are not currently known. The overall effect is that ketamine is anti-proinflammatory. I need to go into a little more depth here. Inflammation in the right amount is essential for our health. If we cut our hand, or breath in a virus, our immune system kicks in to provide optimal healing. If the immune system over-reacts, or is constantly under attack, immune pathways begin to cause damage to our own body – we experience things like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, fibromyalgia, etc. Medications like prednisone are anti-inflammatory – they can lessen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but also lessen our ability to heal cuts and fight off infections. Ketamine in appropriate doses is anti-proinflammatory, in that it lessens the over-reactivity of the immune system without impairing wound healing or fighting infections. If ketamine is abused (taken in too high doses, taken too often), it becomes proinflammatory and can lead to cystitis, cholangitis, etc.

An old saying goes “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting diJerent results.”

Ketamine therapy provides a window of opportunity to improve life. By itself, ketamine may help you to experience change in your life for a few weeks to a few months. Integration practice is the life’s blood of lifelong improvement. Through integration practices you can maintain and expand the benefits that you experience from any single infusion.

If you are already engaged with a mental health provider, sponsor, coach, clergy, we recommend strongly that you meet in the first 3-7 days after your infusion, to consolidate your changes.

If you are already engaged with specific healthful practices, we recommend that you re-engage in the first 3-7 days after your infusion and then continue to make your practices a regular part of your life.

If you do not have regular practices to sustain a healthful life, we recommend that you consider: meditation/prayer; rhythmic exercise such as QiGong; walking in nature; moving into a more healthful diet; using probiotics and/or herbs to improve the gut-brain axis; regular energy body work; beginning a relationship with a mental health provider, sponsor, life coach, clergy. 

Begin perhaps one or two practices in the first three days after your infusion. If you are beginning new practices, there is no need to overdo them. If you want to run a marathon, you don’t go out the first day for 26 miles. You might start with a ½ mile a day for 2 weeks, then increase by ½ mile a day every 2 weeks. In a year you will be running a marathon. Start modest, with something that seems doable for you, on a regular basis. Regularity is very important. Over time, modify as you are able. 

An old saying goes “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting diJerent results.”

Ketamine therapy provides a window of opportunity to improve life. By itself, ketamine may help you to experience change in your life for a few weeks to a few months. Integration practice is the life’s blood of lifelong improvement. Through integration practices you can maintain and expand the benefits that you experience from any single infusion.

If you are already engaged with a mental health provider, sponsor, coach, clergy, we recommend strongly that you meet in the first 3-7 days after your infusion, to consolidate your changes.

If you are already engaged with specific healthful practices, we recommend that you re-engage in the first 3-7 days after your infusion and then continue to make your practices a regular part of your life.

If you do not have regular practices to sustain a healthful life, we recommend that you consider: meditation/prayer; rhythmic exercise such as QiGong; walking in nature; moving into a more healthful diet; using probiotics and/or herbs to improve the gut-brain axis; regular energy body work; beginning a relationship with a mental health provider, sponsor, life coach, clergy. 

Begin perhaps one or two practices in the first three days after your infusion. If you are beginning new practices, there is no need to overdo them. If you want to run a marathon, you don’t go out the first day for 26 miles. You might start with a ½ mile a day for 2 weeks, then increase by ½ mile a day every 2 weeks. In a year you will be running a marathon. Start modest, with something that seems doable for you, on a regular basis. Regularity is very important. Over time, modify as you are able. 

Experiences vary, but many patients report a sense of calm, detachment from negative thoughts, or a new perspective on past emotions. You remain conscious, but in a relaxed, altered state. The environment is designed to feel safe and supportive, whether you’re in a private or group session. Some describe it as a dreamlike or spiritual journey, with feelings of insight, release, and relief.

Some patients notice improvement within hours or days after their first session—especially with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. However, ketamine works differently for everyone. Most treatment plans include a series of sessions to build sustained results, and we recommend combining therapy, energy work, and integration practices to maximize your healing.

Currently, ketamine therapy is not covered by most insurance providers. At AIK, we offer transparent, out-of-pocket pricing and more affordable group sessions to make treatment accessible. Payment plans and support resources may also be available — just ask during your consultation.

At AIK, we don’t just give you a dose — we walk with you through the entire healing process. Every treatment is customized and medically supervised. We pair ketamine therapy with integrative support tools like body energy work and breathwork, helping you process, integrate, and transform. You’re not just getting a treatment—you’re entering a healing relationship.