Ketamine therapy can be a transformative experience, offering relief for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain and Alcohol/Substance Use Disorder. However, the effectiveness of treatment is greatly influenced by how well you prepare. Creating a supportive mental, emotional, and physical environment before your sessions can enhance the therapeutic effects and contribute to long-term healing.
This guide will walk you through the best ways to prepare for ketamine therapy, ensuring you set yourself up for success. It’s important to have a solid understanding of how ketamine therapy works, including what to expect from the process and how the medicine can affect your mind and body. Take time to:
- Research the science behind ketamine’s effects.
- Learn about potential benefits and side effects.
- Consult with your healthcare provider to address any questions or concerns.
Alcohol and non-prescription drugs can interfere with ketamine’s effectiveness and may lead to undesirable interactions. For those with Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder, it’s recommended to be completely sober for at least one week prior to starting treatment. For all others:
- Stop alcohol consumption a minimum of 48 hours before your first session.
- Avoid recreational drugs for at least a week prior to treatment.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding prescription medications.
Your mindset going into ketamine therapy plays a crucial role in your experience. Stress and external distractions can create unnecessary mental clutter. To prepare:
- Set boundaries with family, friends, and work commitments to ensure you have time to rest and integrate post-session.
The content you consume in the days leading up to your treatment can shape your mental state and influence your experience. Limit screen time and avoid:
- Scary TV shows or horror movies that may introduce negative subconscious material into your experience.
- Stress-inducing news or social media content.
- Excessive scrolling, which can lead to overstimulation and heightened anxiety.
Ketamine therapy may cause temporary dissociation and dizziness. You cannot drive yourself home after an infusion.
- You must arrange for a responsible driver to take you home after treatment. This can be family, a friend, or a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft).
- Plan for a quiet and relaxing post-treatment environment once you arrive home. Ideally, clear your schedule for the rest of the day, but at minimum, allow four hours before resuming usual activities. However, you cannot drive, swim or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
Having clear goals for your ketamine therapy will improve your experience and help guide your integration process. Consider:
- What emotional or mental health improvements you hope to achieve.
- What personal growth areas you want to focus on.
- What insights or healing you’re seeking from the process.
Self-care is crucial during your ketamine therapy journey, particularly in the first 48 hours post infusion. While your brain is in a heightened plastic state, self-care will be exponentially more beneficial. Make a plan to incorporate:
- Adequate sleep and rest.
- Gentle movement such as yoga, walking, or your favorite kind of workout.
- Healthy, nourishing foods.
- Relaxing activities like reading, baths, art or time in nature.
Ketamine therapy opens a brief window of neuroplasticity, making it easier to adopt new habits and let go of bad habits. The treatment can help ‘jumpstart’ making positive changes to your lifestyle. But remember, your brain will be more receptive to change - both good and bad, so it’s critical to focus on positive, healthy activities. Before starting treatment use this opportunity to:
- Identify what healthy habits you want to incorporate (e.g., meditation, journaling, exercise, healthy eating).
- Pinpoint any negative habits you want to let go of.
- Develop a simple action plan to make these changes sustainable as part of your daily routine.
Journaling will help you process your thoughts and experiences before, during, and after ketamine therapy. At Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, we provide you with journal prompts for after each infusion. Feel free to use our prompts or simply write down your thoughts about your experience. Keeping a journal allows you to:
- Document your intentions before treatment.
- Write down key takeaways after each session.
- Track emotional and mental changes over time.
Working with a therapist, especially a certified ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, will enhance your therapeutic outcomes. A trained professional can:
- Help you set intentions and process emotions before treatment.
- Guide you through integration work post-treatment.
- Provide tools to make sense of the psychedelic aspects of your ketamine experiences.
Grounding and breathwork techniques can help you stay calm and centered before and during your session. Some effective methods include:
- Box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4).
- Mantras: Develop a mantra or phrase to help you stay calm during your experience.
Hydration supports your body’s ability to process ketamine effectively. To prepare:
- Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session.
- Avoid excessive caffeine or dehydrating substances.
On the day of your appointment, follow these guidelines:
1. Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine can increase heart rate and anxiety. To minimize restlessness, and maximize relaxation, skip your morning caffinated beverage.
2. Fast for Three Hours Before Your Appointment
Ketamine therapy can sometimes cause nausea. It’s important to fast for three hours before your session. If you are prone to nausea, let us know before treatment so we can provide anti-nausea medication before your session begins.
Note: if you need to take prescription medication with food, or are hypoglycemic, please follow your healthcare professional’s guidance.
3. Hydrate
Drink water earlier in the day but avoid excessive intake right before your session to prevent discomfort.
4. Avoid Cannabis and Alcohol
Both substances have been shown to limit ketamine’s effects and may lead to unpredictable and unsafe experiences. Stay sober throughout the entire course of your treatment.
5. Get Optimal Rest
Your body and mind process ketamine more effectively when well-rested. Create a soothing wind-down routine and do your best to:
- Get your optimal amount of sleep the night before your appointment.
- Avoid late-night screen time or stimulating activities the night before.
6. Practice Openness and Acceptance
It’s best to approach your ketamine therapy session with an open mind to enhance the overall experience. Let go of expectations and allow the process to unfold naturally. There’s nothing you need to actively “do” during your infusion—simply surrender to the experience, let the medicine guide you, and remain open to whatever emotions or insights arise. Each journey is unique, so embrace it with curiosity and trust the process.
Preparing for ketamine therapy isn’t just about getting ready to receive medicine—it’s about creating an environment that fosters healing, both mentally and physically. By following these steps, you can optimize your ketamine experience, enhance its therapeutic benefits, and pave the way for lasting transformation.
If you’re considering ketamine therapy and want to learn more, reach out us at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy and we will guide you through our process. Your journey toward healing starts with the right preparation.
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About the author:
Libby Rivas serves as the Clinic Manager at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, bringing a unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and heartfelt compassion to her role. Married to Dr. Ray Rivas, Libby is deeply rooted in the health and wellness community, equipping her with a profound understanding of how to support others. With extensive experience in small business management and customer service, Libby ensures that every patient at Innerbloom receives personalized care and attention.
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