Ketamine therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for depression, especially in cases where traditional antidepressants have failed. Once known primarily as an anesthetic—or a street drug—ketamine is now being used in clinical settings across the U.S., including Mississippi. But while this treatment offers rapid relief for many, it also raises important concerns for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we’re committed to helping clients understand the full picture—especially when mental health and addiction overlap.
What Is Ketamine Therapy for Depression?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used safely in medical settings for decades. In recent years, research has shown that low doses of ketamine can have rapid antidepressant effects. This has led to its use in treating severe, treatment-resistant depression, often when other medications and therapies haven’t worked.
Ketamine therapy may be administered in two forms:
- Intravenous (IV) infusions in a clinic setting
- Esketamine nasal spray (Spravato®), which is FDA-approved for certain patients under psychiatric supervision
Some patients receive a single dose and experience immediate relief, while others may require a series of treatments to sustain improvements. The therapy is usually paired with ongoing psychological care and monitoring, especially when used in a behavioral health setting.
While esketamine is a controlled medication administered in licensed settings, some private clinics offer ketamine therapy outside of FDA oversight. This can lead to inconsistent care and increase risks—especially for vulnerable individuals.
How Ketamine Works in the Brain
Unlike SSRIs that gradually build up serotonin over time, ketamine acts rapidly on glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the brain. It interacts with NMDA receptors and appears to promote synaptic growth in areas linked to mood regulation.
Patients often report a rapid lifting of depressive symptoms—sometimes within hours of their first treatment. However, these effects are typically short-lived, which is why ketamine is often administered in a series of sessions.
Alongside its antidepressant potential, ketamine can induce dissociative or dream-like states, which is part of what makes it a concern for those in recovery from substance use.
Studies also show that ketamine may help “reset” negative neural pathways, potentially allowing for faster emotional processing and trauma resolution. While this sounds promising, such shifts must be closely managed by mental health professionals—especially when a history of addiction is present.
A Closer Look at Ketamine’s Addiction Risk
While ketamine is not considered physically addictive in the traditional sense, it can lead to psychological dependence. This is especially true for individuals with a history of substance abuse.
At higher or more frequent doses than prescribed, ketamine can cause:
- Euphoria
- Detachment from reality
- Hallucinations
- Cravings for repeated use
For people in recovery, even a medically supervised introduction to ketamine should be approached with great caution. It may awaken addictive behaviors, especially if prior drug use involved stimulants, tranquilizers, or hallucinogens. In such cases, even a minor trigger can lead to significant setbacks.
It’s also important to recognize the growing number of commercial ketamine clinics across the country—some of which lack strong oversight or offer services without a robust mental health framework. These environments may not provide the accountability needed for individuals navigating addiction recovery.
Depression and Dual Diagnosis in Recovery
Depression and addiction often go hand in hand. This is known as a co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis. Many individuals turn to substances to manage untreated mental health symptoms, which only compounds the problem over time.
Ketamine therapy for depression may seem appealing—especially when nothing else has worked—but introducing a dissociative substance into recovery can jeopardize hard-won sobriety.
At MSDATC, we use integrated treatment plans that consider the full spectrum of a client’s needs, including:
- Clinical depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Generalized anxiety
- Substance use disorders
We also understand that healing must address the root causes of both mental illness and substance use. Our clinicians work collaboratively to create recovery paths that are sustainable, supportive, and evidence-based. If a treatment option has any potential to destabilize a client’s sobriety, we’ll explore safer alternatives first.
Safer, Evidence-Based Alternatives for Depression Treatment
For clients in addiction recovery, there are many effective—and safer—ways to treat depression without resorting to mind-altering medications. At MSDATC, we offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): helps reframe negative thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): teaches emotional regulation skills
- Medication management: with non-addictive antidepressants when appropriate
- Trauma-informed care: for individuals with underlying trauma
- Peer support and group therapy: to foster connection and reduce isolation
We also support holistic approaches, including mindfulness training, nutritional support, and experiential therapies such as art or movement-based sessions—all designed to treat depression in ways that are safe and compatible with sobriety.
Our team creates customized plans that work with each client’s history, goals, and ongoing care needs. We believe that healing from depression doesn’t have to jeopardize your recovery from substance use.
To learn more about our approach to co-occurring disorders, visit our page on dual diagnosis treatment in Mississippi.
Taking the Next Step in Treatment Planning
Ketamine therapy for depression may offer new hope for those with treatment-resistant mental illness, but it also poses real risks for people in recovery. The decision to explore this therapy should never be made lightly or without clinical supervision—especially if you have a history of substance use.
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we believe in compassionate, whole-person care that considers both your mental health and your recovery journey. Whether you’re dealing with chronic depression, anxiety, or trauma alongside addiction, our team is equipped to help you find effective, sustainable treatment options—without compromising your sobriety. If you or a loved one needs help navigating depression in recovery, reach out now. We’re here to guide you toward a safer, brighter future.
(855) 334-6120
MississippiDATC.com
13251 Reece Bergeron Road, Biloxi, MS 39532
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