How to Prepare for a Ketamine Treatment Session

If you’re struggling with depression or other mental health challenges and are considering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, it’s crucial to prioritize the preparation of your body and mind before your treatment session. In this blog, we’ll delve into the essential steps to prepare for a ketamine treatment session, emphasizing both physical and mental preparation. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize the potential benefits of ketamine treatment and embark on a transformative healing journey.

1. Avoid Using Benzodiazepine Class Medications

Certain medications or substances can reduce the effect of ketamine on your neural networks and will need to be avoided prior to your treatment session. Therefore, you should avoid taking benzodiazepine class medications, which include Ativan, Alprazolam, Xanax, Valium, etc. at least 12 hours before your treatment session. We also recommend refraining from using cannabis because of a similar “class” effect of inhibition for crucial pathways.

2. Be Mindful of When to Stop Eating and Drinking Before Your Session

Since ketamine can cause nausea or vomiting, we strongly advise refraining from eating any solid foods for at least 6 hours prior to your session. However, you can still hydrate yourself with clear fluids like apple juice or tea up to 90 minutes before treatment.

3. Avoid Consuming Alcohol

To achieve the best treatment results, you should avoid alcohol for at least 40 days prior to treatment. Your family physician can prescribe medications to support abstinence should you need it. If you are currently alcohol-dependent (meaning you develop physical symptoms if you abstain), however, you must have a medically supervised detoxification from a family physician or other practitioner prior to treatment.

4. Set Your Intention

Setting a clear intention with a light touch before your ketamine treatment sessions can greatly enhance the therapeutic process. Seek a vision of the qualities, mindset, and emotional well-being you desire. This image will serve as a guiding light during your sessions, providing a focal point for your healing journey. Setting an intention can help to cultivate a sense of purpose and direction, empowering you to actively participate in your healing process and maximize the potential for positive change.

5. Bring a Positive and Open Mindset

Ensure you are coming into your sessions with a positive and curious mindset, knowing that you will be in a safe and supportive environment. It is important to acknowledge that during any inner work, moments of negativity or discomfort may arise. Prepare yourself in advance by thanking that these experiences do not necessarily indicate something negative or harmful is happening. Embrace the understanding that the therapeutic process can be multifaceted, and challenges may arise on the path to transformation.

6. Minimize Screen Time

We recommend limiting your use of electronic devices, such as phones, iPads, and computers, leading up to your ketamine treatment sessions. You’ll also want to minimize your exposure to media content that is stressful, negative, or violent. By reducing screen time and avoiding negative digital content, you create space for a calmer mindset, allowing yourself to enter the treatment session with a clear and receptive state of mind. Engaging in grounding activities such as reading a book, practicing mindfulness, meditating, or enjoying nature, can help shift your focus away from the digital world and help you naturally acquire tranquillity and mental clarity.

7. Keep a Journal

Journaling is a valuable tool that can help you stay present and engaged in your healing process throughout ketamine treatment. We recommend keeping a journal to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and expectations before each session. Prior to treatment, take a few moments to write down any concerns, hopes, or intentions you have. This practice not only helps you clarify your goals, but it also serves as a grounding exercise, allowing you to enter the session with a focused mindset. After your session, journal about your experience, capturing any insights, breakthroughs, or shifts in your mental and emotional state. Keeping in the habit of journaling your emotions and experiences will empower you to make the most out of your healing journey.

8. Dress Comfortably

Ketamine treatment sessions can take up to two hours, so it’s important to wear clothing that allows you to maintain a relaxed state throughout the duration of treatment. We recommend opting for loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t constrict or bind your body if you need to move during the session. We also recommend wearing a short sleeve shirt to make your monitors happy!

9. Arrange Transportation After Treatment

As with all anaesthetics, driving is not recommended 24 hours after treatment. While the effects of ketamine can vary from person to person, it is common to experience temporary disorientation, drowsiness, or altered perception immediately following a treatment session. Therefore, we recommend you bring a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to accompany you and drive you home safely.

Preparing adequately for a ketamine treatment session is a vital step in maximizing the potential benefits of this transformative therapy. By focusing on both physical and mental preparation, you can create the optimal environment for healing and growth.

Begin Your Healing Journey with Caledon Clinic

Ready to start your healing journey? Caledon Clinic’s experienced team can provide the support and expertise you need for successful ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatment. Take the first step today and unlock the potential for profound transformation and renewed hope on the path to improved mental and emotional well-being.