The Avesta Blog
New to ketamine care? Read these first
Three guides that answer the questions most patients ask before their first visit.
Guides
What is Ketamine and How Does it Work?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in surgery and pain management since the 1960s. At clinical doses it is an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety and suicidality, and it can relieve chronic pain.
Guides
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
The article says ketamine IV infusions for mood disorders and chronic pain are very safe when given by highly trained, board-certified anesthesia providers, and notes the World Health Organization lists ketamine as an essential medicine. The ideal candidate has usually tried other treatments without success.
Pricing
How to Pay for Ketamine Therapy and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
Most patients lower ketamine costs through insurance-based Spravato treatment or IV ketamine supported by reimbursement and other payment tools. Spravato often provides the lowest out-of-pocket cost for patients who qualify.
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Conditions
Suicidal Ideation and Ketamine Therapy
Suicidal ideation includes suicidal thoughts and sometimes planning, and the article lists warning signs such as social withdrawal, sleep changes and saying goodbye. It explains how ketamine therapy is used for suicidal ideation. If you need help now, call 988.
Conditions
Ketamine Therapy for Drug Addiction Recovery: Opioids, Cocaine, and Stimulants
Ketamine therapy for addiction is a monitored, in-clinic treatment that may reduce cravings and ease the depression that drives relapse from opioids, cocaine and stimulants. It is an add-on to medication-assisted treatment and counseling, not a replacement.
Conditions
Ketamine Treatment for Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Ketamine for alcohol use disorder is a monitored, in-clinic treatment that may reduce cravings and lower relapse risk when paired with counseling. It works alongside standard care, not in place of it.
Conditions
Ketamine Therapy & Anorexia Nervosa
Ketamine has potential to treat psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, addiction and PTSD, and the article looks at how it may relate to anorexia nervosa. Avesta says one's journey toward holistic wellness is never linear.
Conditions
The Debate on Ketamine and Cancer Pain
Ketamine is used as an add-on for neuropathic cancer pain when opioids and other treatments fail. Case reports describe large opioid reductions, but four randomized trials found no clinically relevant benefit, so the evidence is inconclusive and more research is needed.
Conditions
Myth Busting: Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can worsen over time and shows up as panic disorder, social anxiety and phobia-related disorders. The article corrects common myths about anxiety and looks at ketamine as a current and future treatment.
Conditions
Peripartum or Postpartum Depression & Ketamine Treatment
Peripartum depression is depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. About 20% of new mothers with the baby blues go on to develop it, and about 10% of new fathers also experience symptoms. Ketamine treatment is discussed as an option.
Conditions
Opioid Addiction & Ketamine Treatment
Opioid withdrawal can be severe and long, and the article explains how ketamine treatment is used to support people recovering from opioid addiction. Ketamine goes directly into the bloodstream, so dosage can be adjusted to your symptoms.
Conditions
How Ketamine can Treat Lyme Disease Symptoms
Ketamine infusions can reduce pain and depression symptoms in patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), which has no approved treatment, and IV vitamins may also help. Ketamine does not treat the infection, and a single published case report is the main evidence.
Conditions
Relieving Some of your Pre-Ketamine Anxiety
Anxiety before ketamine treatment is common. The article explains how anxiety disorders work and offers ways to prepare, including thinking about why you are coming in and what you hope to gain from therapy.
Conditions
Depression and Vitamin Therapy
Depression affects about 6.7% of U.S. adults, and seasonal changes like shorter winter days can make it harder. The article explains what vitamins do in the body and how vitamin therapy may support mental and physical health.
Conditions
Will Ketamine Alleviate Symptoms of My Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million U.S. adults, and the article explains how the brain's amygdala drives the fight-or-flight response. It looks at how ketamine may help ease anxiety symptoms, alongside cognitive therapy.
The Avesta blog shares general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation.
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