Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?

Before we explore whether ketamine therapy produces a “high,” it’s worth noting that around 2% of U.S. adults have tried ketamine at least once in their lifetime (ABC News, 2023).

Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain—especially for those who haven’t responded to conventional treatments. But with its origins as a dissociative anesthetic and its reputation as a recreational drug (often referred to as “Special K”), many people wonder: Does ketamine therapy get you high?

Let’s break it down with science, context, and facts.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine was developed in the 1960s as a fast-acting anesthetic. In medical settings, it has been widely used in operating rooms, emergency departments, and battlefield medicine because of its safety profile. In recent decades, research has uncovered its profound impact on neuroplasticity and mood regulation, leading to its use in mental health therapy.

What Does "High" Mean in This Context?

When people ask if ketamine therapy gets you "high," they're usually referring to feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, or dissociation commonly associated with recreational use.

In clinical settings, however, the experience is different.

What Happens During Ketamine Therapy?

In ketamine therapy, doses are precisely calibrated, often far below the anesthetic threshold. It is typically administered in one of three forms:

• Intravenous (IV)
• Intramuscular (IM)
• Oral or sublingual lozenges
• Nasal spray (esketamine, FDA-approved under the brand name Spravato)

During treatment, many patients report a sense of detachment from the body, dream-like sensations, or mild visual and auditory changes. This is known as dissociation—and while it can resemble a "high," it’s often accompanied by deep introspection, emotional processing, or even discomfort.

Is It the Same as Getting High?

Not exactly. The therapeutic experience is controlled, monitored by clinicians, and intended to enhance mental health outcomes—not to induce pleasure or escape.

In contrast, recreational ketamine use involves higher doses, uncontrolled settings, and often a goal of euphoria or hallucination. This carries higher risks of addiction, injury, and long-term cognitive effects.

What Do the Stats Say?

• According to a 2022 systematic review in The American Journal of Psychiatry, up to 70% of treatment-resistant depression patients showed significant improvement after just one ketamine infusion.
• The FDA-approved esketamine (Spravato) nasal spray has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression within hours, with 68% of patients responding positively in trials.
• A 2021 survey of 1,247 patients in ketamine-assisted therapy found that less than 5% reported euphoric or “high-like” feelings as their main experience; most described it as “introspective,” “emotionally intense,” or “mystical.”

How Is Safety Maintained?

Medical ketamine therapy is performed under strict supervision:

• Medical screening before treatment
• Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate
• Post-session integration therapy to help process the experience
  
  

Final Thoughts

So, does ketamine therapy get you high? Not in the way you might think. While some of the dissociative effects may resemble a “high,” the therapeutic setting, dosage, and intent are vastly different. Ketamine therapy isn’t about escapism—it’s about healing.

As with any treatment, it’s important to consult a qualified provider and consider your medical history. Ketamine therapy isn’t right for everyone, but for many, it’s a transformative step toward better mental health.