By Adam Gremp, Moodfuel Contributor
An expert suggests psychedelic therapy, especially ketamine, as an alternative or complement to traditional mental health treatments in the new year
As we goodbye to 2024 and look toward the new year, many Coloradans will embrace new resolutions and goals. Yet, sometimes we're hindered by mental health challenges or, simply, feeling stuck. Psychedelic therapy is a new option for approaching goals because it can create profoundly positive change – in perception and behavior.
Today's mental health landscape
While conditions such as anxiety, depression and PTSD are widespread in Colorado, traditional talk therapy and medication aren't always effective for our minds or wallets. After cycling through this traditional process without measured success, people can become numb and disconnected because these treatments only address symptoms instead of underlying causes. They don't experience from what is holding them back.
Psychedelic therapies are reshaping the ways we approach these challenges. People participating in these innovative treatments can experience insightful healing after they identify the issues holding them back.
What psychedelic therapy can offer
Modes of psychedelic therapy address mood, energy and cognition through use of natural and synthetic substances, like psilocybin, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ketamine. The substances are usually infused intravenously, but some can be taken orally or in nasal sprays.
Combined with the supervision and guidance of a trained medical practitioner or psychotherapist, the goal is to develop self agency through a change in perception beyond the rigid structure of a prescribed treatment. The term "psychedelic" means "mind manifesting" with the idea of exploring clear personal direction.
The medical use of psychedelics dates to the 1950s when LSD and psilocybin were used to treat mental illness and addictions. Although the government halted research in the 1960s, there has been a resurgence in clinical trials exploring their therapeutic potential. In 2022, Colorado voters approved the regulated use of psychedelics, a milestone for alternative mental health therapies.
The healing of ketamine therapy
Ketamine is an injectable, short-acting, dissociative anesthetic with some hallucinogenic effects. "Dissociative" means the user feels detached from their environment. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and induces feelings of calm, relaxation and relief from pain.
First synthesized in 1962, it was developed for battlefield use as an anesthetic during the Vietnam War. Now, it's gaining recognition for treating severe mental illness, addictions, post traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, traumatic brain injuries and chronic pain.
Patients with treatment-resistant depression usually experience symptom relief immediately. Patients also often experience clearer thoughts during a session, which can lead to profound insights and emotional release from historical traumas. They're able to find peace and acceptance about the past and discover new ways to move forward.
One of the most valuable aspects of ketamine is that it promotes neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Neuroplasticity creates an opportunity to change the way our minds and bodies adapt to and process experiences. Limiting beliefs can transform into new empowerment.
Typically administered intravenously over 40 to 60 minutes, ketamine offers a deep, inward journey that can be paused if overwhelming. Most people receive a clear-minded, gentle, therapeutic effect without the disorientation commonly associated with other psychedelics.
Choosing a psychedelic therapy clinic
Conduct research about clinics and the professionalism and accreditation of clinicians to find the best fit. Many organizations offer free, initial consultations to answer questions, learn about your medical history, provide detailed information about the therapy process and determine the ideal dosage for your healing.
The American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3) sets safe standards which reputable clinics follow. Nurse practitioners, emergency medical technicians and paramedics are often on staff to support patient care.
Insurance coverage for many psychedelics, like ketamine, is spotty. Check with your provider. Mostly, you'll need to consider the value of investing in yourself.
Psychedelics for mental wellness are most effective when mindset and environment are considered carefully because they greatly influence outcomes. So, preparation and integration are essential. For lasting change, it's best practice to establish clear intentions before a session and apply the insights gained afterward.
Preparing for the New Year
As we enter 2025, mental clarity and emotional balance will be crucial for setting goals and achieving progress in our personal and professional lives. Wouldn't it feel wonderful to get "unstuck," paving the way for greater productivity and fulfillment?
Maintaining mental wellness requires a holistic approach, including practices such as mindfulness, journaling and regular exercise. Psychedelic therapy can be a powerful part of this toolkit, providing a strong foundation for the other tools we choose to implement. Now is the time to embrace your journey towards wellness with confidence and optimism. You're worth a fresh start.
Driven by his experiences with plant medicines, Adam Gremp co-founded NeuConnections Ketamine & Wellness Clinic with a mission to assist military veterans, first responders and the wider Colorado community in acknowledging their mental health struggles. He firmly believes we have the tools we need inside ourselves, we just need to unlock them. He is a trained Psychedelic Integration Coach and advocates for mental health, suicide prevention and supporting families affected by suicide.
