Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High? Here’s What It Really Feels Like
When I first heard about using ketamine to treat depression and anxiety, I’ll admit—I had questions. And not just about whether it works. The real question bouncing around in my head was: “Does ketamine therapy get you high?”
If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re not alone.
Ketamine has a reputation. For decades, it was known as a club drug—nicknamed “Special K.” But in recent years, it’s gained legitimate medical attention for helping people with treatment-resistant mental health issues. I was skeptical at first, but after doing the research (and trying it myself), I can finally answer this question with clarity—and honesty.
Let’s talk about what ketamine therapy actually feels like, what kind of “high” (if any) you can expect, and whether that sensation is part of the healing.
First, What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a medical treatment that uses low doses of ketamine—often in IV, nasal spray, or lozenge form—to help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Unlike standard antidepressants that take weeks to work, ketamine can bring noticeable relief within hours or days.
It’s usually prescribed when other treatments have failed, which was definitely the case for me.
So… Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
Here’s the truth: Yes, ketamine therapy can cause a “high” or altered state—but it’s not what you might expect.
The sensation is very different from recreational drug use. In a medical setting, ketamine is administered in controlled, therapeutic doses, usually under supervision. That means you won’t be dancing in the streets or seeing pink elephants—but you will feel different.
When I had my first session, I felt a dreamy, detached sensation. My thoughts slowed down. My body felt light, like I was floating. At one point, I felt like I was observing myself from the outside. It wasn’t scary—just unusual. And after it wore off, something even stranger happened: I felt relief.
What Does the Ketamine Experience Feel Like?
People often describe the ketamine experience as dissociative, meaning your mind disconnects from your usual sense of self or body. It can feel like:
- Floating or drifting
- Being outside your body
- Seeing vivid visuals or colors
- A shift in time perception
- Deep emotional insights
During my sessions, I’d sometimes revisit old memories or see symbolic images. It felt like my brain was sorting through stuff I’d buried. But the environment really mattered—I had calming music, a cozy blanket, and knew I was safe. That made all the difference.
Is the “High” the Point of Ketamine Therapy?
Here’s the interesting part: the altered state is part of the therapy—but it’s not about getting “high” for fun.
That temporary dissociation actually helps your brain make new connections. It can loosen the grip of negative thought loops, increase neuroplasticity (aka brain flexibility), and create space for emotional healing.
In fact, many providers encourage journaling or therapy after sessions to help process what came up. That’s when real breakthroughs happen.
Is It Safe to Feel “High” on Ketamine in Therapy?
Yes—when administered properly, ketamine therapy is safe and monitored.
Medical professionals are trained to dose ketamine at levels that are effective but not overwhelming. If you’re doing at-home ketamine lozenges (like I did with Mindbloom), you’ll be given instructions, safety check-ins, and usually have someone there to support you.
Common side effects of the “high” include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion or grogginess
- Emotional sensitivity
But these usually fade within an hour or two. And after a few sessions, many people (myself included) get more comfortable with the process.
Can You Trip or Hallucinate on Ketamine?
Sometimes, yes—but not always, and not in the way you might think.
At therapeutic doses, the visuals are usually subtle: patterns, colors, shifting imagery. Not full-blown hallucinations like LSD. I once saw a flowing river turning into stars—it was beautiful and meaningful, but I always knew I was safe and grounded.
Recreational users take much higher doses to induce intense hallucinations or out-of-body experiences, which can be risky. Therapeutic ketamine is about healing, not escapism.
Is Ketamine Therapy Addictive?
Another great question. And the answer is: Not likely when used medically.
Ketamine does have abuse potential if taken recreationally and frequently—but under professional care, the risk of addiction is very low. Most therapy protocols involve limited sessions spaced out over time, and providers watch for any signs of misuse.
Personally, I never felt a craving for it. I looked forward to sessions because of how they helped my mental health—not because I was chasing a high.
What Happens After the “High” Wears Off?
This is the part that blew me away. Once the ketamine wore off, I felt lighter—mentally and emotionally. It was as if someone hit a reset button in my brain. Things that had felt overwhelming before didn’t seem as heavy.
In the days following each session, I found it easier to connect with my therapist, write in my journal, and show up in my life with more clarity.
The “high” fades quickly. But the healing can last much longer—especially when integrated with therapy or mindfulness practices.
FAQ: Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
Q: Will I feel high during my first ketamine treatment?
Yes, you’ll likely feel altered—floaty, dreamy, or introspective—but not out of control.
Q: Is the “high” necessary for the healing effect?
Many researchers believe it is. The dissociative state seems to help people step outside of their usual thought patterns, which is key to ketamine’s impact.
Q: Can I drive after a ketamine session?
Nope. You’ll need someone to drive you home (or just rest if you’re doing it at home). The effects can linger for a few hours.
Q: What if I don’t want to feel high—can I still do ketamine therapy?
Let your provider know. Some people respond well to lower doses with minimal psychedelic effects.
Final Thoughts: What I Learned About the Ketamine “High”
If you’re still wondering, does ketamine therapy get you high?—the honest answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. It’s not about partying or escape. It’s about gently stepping outside your usual mind and seeing things from a new perspective.
That “high” is part of the healing, not the whole story.
For me, ketamine therapy was a turning point in my mental health journey. It gave me a break from the constant noise in my head—and opened a path to real healing. If you’re considering it, talk to a licensed provider and explore whether it’s right for you.
You deserve to feel better. And maybe, just maybe, this is the tool that helps.
Curious to Learn More?
Start by exploring reputable ketamine therapy providers like Mindbloom, Nue Life, or local clinics near you. Make sure you’re working with licensed professionals who understand the full picture—because your mental health is too important for shortcuts.