7 Insights On Ketamine, Psychedelics & More From Psychedelic Science 2023

This blog post takes you behind the scenes of the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference. Delve into the seven key insights from the conference, ranging from the current state of ketamine awareness and its unique tradition to the responsibilities and joys of providing this therapy.

If you are looking for a blog post that covers the nitty gritty details of the psychedelic medicine industry, or are seeking a synopsis on the latest research presented at the MAPS Psychedelic Science conference that was held this past June 2023, then this blog post is not for you. However, if you want to get a taste of what it’s like to be a ketamine specialist and business owner navigating the ever-growing multifaceted world of psychedelic medicine, then you’re in the right place. 

The seven insights you will find in this blog post are realizations, quotes, and perhaps even musings we had as we attended this fascinating conference!

Insight #1: Although People May Now About Psychedelics, It Doesn't Mean They Know About Ketamine

A handful of times, when we met people attending the conference, they didn’t know what ketamine was. Or they only knew it as a recreational club drug. For some in the psychedelic space, ketamine isn’t considered a psychedelic. Ketamine works by relaxing inhibitory pathways in the brain. Classic psychedelics, such such as LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca override this pathway. We've spent a few years in the ketamine therapy industry, so the lack of awareness doesn't surprise us. However, what did surprise us was how often we encountered misinformed comments. With so much talk about MDMA and psilocybin, we thought that people were well-aware of ketamine. Especially as more and more people are receiving this treatment. It went to show us that there continues to be opportunity to share and educate on this topic.

Insight #2: Each Psychedelic Medicine Has Its Own Unique Tradition, Including Ketamine

Ketamine, while lacking the deep cultural roots of plant medicines like ayahuasca or peyote, still has its own unique historical tradition. The conference brought much-needed attention to issues of colonization and appropriation of indigenous medicine. As we listened to discussions on how to honor these traditions, it prompted us to consider ketamine's journey. Ketamine began as an anesthetic, typically monitored by medical professionals. Respecting its history, then, may involve continued vital sign monitoring, acknowledging its dual usage in western medicine and as a recreational drug, and its emerging use in treating mood and pain disorders.

Insight #3: What is Legal May NOT Be What Is Wise For Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic medication. While this is great for us, and you as a future ketamine specialist, this also means that others may use it unwisely. There is much variation in ketamine therapy delivery. The flexibility offered to a ketamine specialist in devising transformational treatments can be great. However, it also opens the door for potential misuse. Increasingly, we're hearing about patients receiving large ketamine doses from online providers - a technically legal but potentially risky practice. A valuable insight was shared by Dr. Raquel Bennett during a panel on ketamine therapy: just because something is legal, it doesn't necessarily mean it's wise. Because we can, doesn't mean we should.

Insight #4: Psychedelics Are NOT For Everyone

As clinicians, we understand that no therapy or medication is universally effective. But non-clinicians and enthusiasts can sometimes overstate the benefits of psychedelic therapies, making them sound like cure-alls. As an industry, when we promote how miraculous this treatment can be, sometimes the “can be” can fall to the wayside. Some patients seem to be cured of their depression or fibromyalgia. There are many patients who require boosters and there are those patients that don’t respond at all. One of the most important parts of providing patients ketamine infusion therapy is screening, and that means we sometimes have to say “No”. This can be especially difficult when there isn’t a definitive medical contraindication like active schizophrenia or uncontrolled blood pressure. In some cases, psychedelic therapy can be more harmful than beneficial if patients aren't ready. It's vital, for both patient care and our role as stewards in this expanding field, to fully disclose the potential pros and cons of treatment.

Insight #5: Psychedelic Medicines Amplify Whatever Is In Our Patient’s Mind

Psychedelics act like unspecified mental amplifiers. Whatever is in our patient’s mind, will be increased, explored, stretched, and expanded. Therefore anything that can affect their mental state such as their mindset, intention, the individuals providing the psychedelic therapy can have a significant impact on the experience. This is one of the many reasons practicing the concept of set and setting is so important. Lay a foundation for a more healing therapeutic experience by encouraging a supportive mindset and creating a healing environment. Another way to look at this is, sure we concede we can only do so much to influence our patient’s mindset. But do you know what can influence or affect their mind? You! Your treatment of them before, during, and after the infusion will influence them. Your communication and how you comfort them when they feel scared and altered will affect their experience. Let this insight be a reminder to not only keep your patient physically safe. But you also have a responsibility to create a safe environment which can influence their mindset. 

Insight #6: Connections Are What's Crucial Not Only For Business But For Our Soul

The conference offered not only new knowledge but also rejuvenating social connections. We had the pleasure of meeting our KSU students, rekindling old friendships, and making new acquaintances! Often in the ketamine infusion field, we can feel like outsiders compared to traditional healthcare colleagues. However, at the conference, sharing our experiences felt natural, often met with responses like, "That happened to me too!" or "I totally know what you mean!" We expanded our tribe there, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts of transformative psychedelic medical care. Despite the physical fatigue from the multi-day event, we returned home spiritually and emotionally recharged. Ready to continue our work, brimming with ideas inspired by the conference camaraderie

Insight #7:  It’s Not What You Do, But Who You Are

The psychedelic medicine sphere always triggers lively debates about who should be providing services like ketamine therapy. There's a range of opinions, with some advocating for psychiatrists only, while others argue for those with in-depth ketamine training or advanced airway management expertise (such as anesthesia or emergency medicine). At the conference, Sam met an Italian artist with whom he shared what he does. Despite facing disagreement about who should provide therapy, the artist offered a powerful perspective: "It doesn't matter what you do, it matters who you are." As ketamine specialists, we're not merely fixing a dislocated shoulder or prescribing a medication for high blood pressure. Our presence, demeanor, and communication with patients before, during, and after the therapy are just as crucial as our specific training to treat mood disorders and or use of ketamine.

Conclusion

This dive into our seven insights from the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference has underscored the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities of being ketamine specialists. We've covered how vital it is to be not just practitioners but educators and stewards in this field. Balancing the potential of ketamine therapy with the need for safety, wisdom, and full disclosure is key. Of equal importance is the nurturing of the professional and personal connections that sustain us in our work. Fellow ketamine specialists or future ones, let's remember that it's not just what we do, but who we are that makes a difference for our patients. Stay curious, stay connected, and perhaps we'll see you at the next conference!

This blog post takes you behind the scenes of the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference. Delve into the seven key insights from the conference, ranging from the current state of ketamine awareness and its unique tradition to the responsibilities and joys of providing this therapy.

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