HEALTHY HABITS

from My Jarrell Monthly • November 2022

WORTH THE DRIVE

SPONSORED CONTENT Wellness from Ketamine? NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT KETAMINE, BY THE TIME YOU FINISH A MENTAL RESET IS POSSIBLE READING THIS PAGE, YOU MAY BE THINKING IT IS RIGHT FOR YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE.

WHAT IS KETAMINE?

Ketamine has been around for decades, but its role as a potent tool against depression, anxiety, and chronic pain is relatively new. Ketamine was initially developed as a surgical anesthetic; it received FDA approval for this use in 1970 and is now considered an essential medication by the World Health Organization.

Because of the drug’s remarkable ability to induce a trance-like state with minimal side effects, ketamine was added to first responder protocols to calm agitated and actively suicidal patients. Providers realized that the immediate mood-lifting effects of ketamine often lasted much longer, with some patients showing complete remission of depression with a single dose.

In 2006, a landmark study on the use of ketamine in treating depression, published by the National Institute of Mental Health, revealed a single intravenous dose of ketamine produced "robust and rapid antidepressant effects" within just a few hours. Since then, several other studies have shown similar findings. As a result, a growing number of physicians across the country are turning to ketamine to provide potentially life-changing solutions for people in need of rapid relief from a number of debilitating conditions—depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Ketamine infusion clinics have been growing—and thriving—for the past few years, and Georgetown is now part of that trend.

ReKonnect Wellness in Georgetown provides ketamine injections and intravenous infusions to treat several conditions commonly resistant to traditional medical interventions. Ketamine has the remarkable ability to provide relief almost immediately, with effects lasting days, weeks, or months at a time.

Dr. Aaron S. Gingrich at reKonnect Wellness in Georgetown provides ketamine therapy in a calm, spalike setting. A registered nurse administers each dose and carefully monitors each patient for any adverse effects. Blankets, eye masks, and curated playlists are available during each session. It is important to note insurance companies have not formally recognized ketamine treatment for depression and chronic pain, so treatment is typically managed on a self-pay basis.1

Dr. Gingrich explains, "For mental health this is a wonderful complement—with other kinds of therapies—to a holistic approach to wellness. It provides a powerful reset for the mind and helps change thought patterns. For those with chronic pain, it is a great alternative to addictive pain relievers."

HOW IT WORKS

Clients begin with a consultation with Dr. Gingrich to discuss client goals for ketamine therapy and to create a treatment plan. An initial treatment plan typically consists of six ketamine sessions spread over two weeks. Each appointment lasts approximately 90 minutes to allow patients to prepare and recover adequately before and after their infusion.

During a treatment session, most patients experience a brain trip. "Ketamine is classified as a psychedelic, but is safely administered in low doses under constant medical supervision," Dr. Gingrich says. "Patients do not sleep but some report seeing visions or may have extremely calming out-of-body experiences. Some feel better right away, or after a few hours, and the calming effects may extend from a few days to a few months."

Dr. Gingrich adds, "Ketamine therapy is effective for about 80 percent of our clients, and we are on a mission to help the 20 percent who don't experience the full effects. In all cases, however, there is still two hours of peace, and a brief respite from whatever is diminishing their quality of life."

Scan the code to visit their website and click the News link to watch a treatment documentary.

1 Typical cost for a single infusion is $350-400

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