Ketamine: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Dr. Casey Grover explores the complexities of ketamine, examining its medical benefits, potential for addiction, and growing presence in both therapeutic and recreational settings.• Originally developed as a dissociative anesthetic for surgery that doesn't suppress breathing• Now recognized for treating treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation• Can reduce suicidal thoughts as quickly as 90 minutes after administration• Also effective for severe pain, alcohol withdrawal, and certain emergency situations• Recreational use has increased dramatically with seizures up 350% between 2017-2022• Creates a trance-like "K-hole" state that users seek for altered perception and relaxation• Long-term use can cause "ketamine bladder" – potentially requiring surgical intervention• No FDA-approved medications exist specifically for treating ketamine addiction• For-profit ketamine clinics often charge $500-1,250 per treatment without comprehensive care• Matthew Perry's death highlights the dangers of ketamine misuse, even under medical supervision• Most patients with addiction histories should approach ketamine therapy with extreme cautionThank you for tuning in to the Addiction Medicine Made Easy Podcast. Together we can improve how addiction is treated and save lives.To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]