Episode 7 of Talking Ketamine explores the groundbreaking potential of ketamine as a treatment for PTSD. This episode examines a recent study on how a single dose of ketamine, combined with trauma-focused therapy, affects individuals with chronic PTSD. Discover how ketamine may promote flexibility in brain pathways, potentially rewiring the brain’s response to traumatic memories, and explore how these changes might feel for someone undergoing treatment. While highlighting that ketamine treatment for PTSD is still experimental, this offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of mental health treatment and the incredible ability of the brain to heal.

The study in this episode:

Duek, O., Korem, N., Li, Y., Kelmendi, B., Amen, S., Gordon, C., et al. (2023). Long term structural and functional neural changes following a single infusion of Ketamine in PTSD. Neuropsychopharmacology, 48(12), 2056–2066. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-023-01606-3

This podcast episode discusses ketamine therapy and the crucial role music plays in enhancing its effectiveness. The speakers explain the three phases of a ketamine session (pre-peak, peak, and post-peak) and how music with varying tempos and keys can support the emotional journey through each stage. They emphasize the importance of choosing music that matches the patient’s intentions and preferences, avoiding familiar songs with lyrics. Various musical genres are suggested, highlighting the collaborative process between therapist, patient, and music in achieving therapeutic goals.

The study in this episode can be found:

Chenette, C. I. (2024). Clinician Education: Optimizing Music Choices for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. (Doctor of Nursing Practice project, The University of Arizona). https://www.proquest.com/openview/19a2c2c6d6c6325cd02118cf992d6f7d/1

This podcast episode discusses a study investigating ketamine’s effects on brain activity in individuals with depression. The study used EEGs to observe changes in brainwave patterns, including a shift towards faster waves and alterations in fractal patterns, potentially explaining ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects. Researchers also explored the correlation between dissociative experiences and these brainwave changes, finding weak connections requiring further study. The episode emphasizes the need for more research to understand ketamine’s long-term effects and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Ultimately, the discussion highlights ketamine’s potential to reshape our understanding of depression treatment by focusing on neuroplasticity and individual brain responses.

The study in this episode is:

Agnorelli, C., Cinti, A., Barillà, G., Lomi, F., Scoccia, A., Benelli, A., et al. (2025). Neurophysiological correlates of ketamine-induced dissociative state in bipolar disorder: insights from real-world clinical settings. Molecular Psychiatry, 30(1), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-02889-2

This podcast episode discusses research on using ketamine to treat cocaine use disorder. The discussion highlights studies showing ketamine’s potential to reduce cocaine cravings and improve brain function in both animal models and human trials, by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and brain regions associated with reward and negative emotions. While acknowledging the need for further research, especially regarding sex differences in response, the speakers present ketamine as a promising new treatment option, contrasting its mechanisms with those of other medications currently used off-label for cocaine addiction. The podcast emphasizes a shift in addiction treatment paradigms, from solely focusing on abstinence to also considering harm reduction through decreased cocaine use. Finally, the episode speculates on the potential broader applications of ketamine’s brain-rewiring properties for treating other conditions like trauma.

Based on the paper: 

Liriano, A., Gu, X., Zuo, W., & Ye, J. (2023). Subanesthetic ketamine for reducing the harm of cocaine use disorder. INNOSC Theranostics and Pharmacological Sciences, 8(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.36922/itps.445

Dive into the future of personalized mental healthcare! This episode explores a groundbreaking study on DMT published in Neuropsychopharmacology, revealing how self-guided dosing could revolutionize ketamine therapy. Discover how this approach, where participants adjusted their own dose, not only allowed them to reach deep psychedelic effects but also didn’t increase negative side effects, hinting at a future of safer, more effective, and empowering treatment experiences. Learn what this means for finding your “sweet spot” in healing and the incredible potential of patient control in psychedelic medicine.

Rudin, D., Erne, L., Vogt, S. B., Müller, L., Nuraj, A., Becker, A., et al. (2024). Acute dose-dependent effects and self-guided titration of continuous N,N-dimethyltryptamine infusions in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy participants. Neuropsychopharmacology, 50(6), 1008–1016. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-024-02041-8

Jump in to ketamine and neuroplasticity, exploring how this unique substance can boost the brain’s ability to change and adapt. Discover its potential to rewire connections for mental health healing, especially for conditions like depression and anxiety. This episode draws on insights from a key scientific review that explores these profound brain changes.

The podcast is based on this research:

Agnorelli, C., Spriggs, M., Godfrey, K., Sawicka, G., Bohl, B., Douglass, H., Fagiolini, A., Parastoo, H., Carhart-Harris, R., Nutt, D., & Erritzoe, D. (2024). Neuroplasticity and psychedelics: A comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models. Neuropharmacology, 10989. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.19.84910

Step into a hidden, fascinating world on this deep dive! We explore a unique study from Italy focusing on functional ketamine users – individuals who regularly use the drug but have never sought addiction treatment. These aren’t the stereotypes; they’re students, professionals, and socially integrated individuals who have developed incredibly sophisticated, user-generated harm reduction strategies.

Discover their intricate unwritten rules for managing risks, from their close-knit, trust-based sourcing networks to ingenious DIY quality control methods involving sight, smell, and even observing others. You’ll learn about their precise guidelines on where, when, and with whom they use ketamine, prioritizing safe social settings, avoiding use before activities requiring focus, and even only using when in a positive emotional state.

We also uncover their crucial safety behaviors like avoiding risky consumption methods and never sharing drug implements. This episode challenges common perceptions of recreational drug use, revealing a surprising level of caution, self-awareness, and responsibility. It’s a comprehensive, peer-driven approach to well-being that offers vital lessons for broader harm reduction efforts, highlighting the power of lived experience and community-driven solutions.

The podcast is based on the paper:

Pavarin, R. M. (2024). Occasional and Continuous Ketamine Users: Consumption Rules and Harm Reduction Strategies. Epidemiology Biostatistics and Public Health, 19(2), 26983. https://doi.org/10.54103/2282-0930/26983