Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on April 24, 2018 and has been updated on July 26, 2021 to ensure accuracy, relevance, and the inclusion of the latest information.

Dealing with depression, anxiety, or PTSD can be challenging. It takes courage to accept that you need treatment. And once you’ve found that courage to finally start your ketamine treatments, the next thing you have to deal with is explaining your situation to others…

“How is your Ketamine treatment going?” “Wow I can't believe you are taking a party drug for your PTSD!” “Do you feel totally cured?”

Since ketamine infusion treatments are still fairly new and unfamiliar, it’s normal to hear these things from your friends and family. They may have a lot of questions for you or even opinions about your ketamine infusions.

Their thoughts and sentiments may be mixed. Some may be in full support while others may be very vocal about their misgivings. No matter what their stance is, you may find it hard to talk to them.

When getting your ketamine infusions, you need all the help and support you can get. Asking this from your friends and family may not be easy, but also not impossible...

How to Make Your Family and Friends Understand

Fear not. As ketamine clinic owners, we have dealt with criticism about ketamine as well. We’ve also had many patients who had to explain this to their family and friends as well.

Here are three tips to navigating conversations with your friends and family while undergoing treatment:

State what you need from them. Sometimes you need support, a driver, or someone to talk to about your experience. Other times you need space, especially if your family is not giving you positive support. You know how your friends and family can be, so tell them what you need. And stay strong with it. This is your journey and you need all the support and understanding you can get.
Direct them to information about ketamine. Often the questions asked are well meaning or are a result of misunderstanding. They may simply not understand what ketamine is or how it is used in your scenario. You may need to guide them in the right direction and help them understand how and why ketamine treatments are the best route for you. A good source to direct them to is our website!
Keep an empowering perspective. You may encounter fear or frustration from your friends and family. They probably don’t understand how ketamine works or have a misconception that it’s a perfect wonder drug. They may be confused as to why you aren't “cured.” They may question the validity of the treatment since it’s not covered by your health insurance. Keep in mind, their words are a reflection of THEIR beliefs and feelings. Consider interpreting whatever is said to you, as coming from love and concern for your well being.

Breaking the stigma of ketamine as a “club drug” is a challenge that both ketamine clinics and you as the patient get to face.

The Challenge You Get to Face

Yes, it can be frustrating that you have to explain yourself especially when you know that ketamine treatments are going to help you get better. Depending on how your friends and family take it, the conversations could be challenging. It may take some time for them to break the negative view they have on ketamine as a “club drug.”

It can be hard for you to face this alone. You need all the support and understanding you can get. Being able to explain your ketamine treatments to your friends and family will indeed be challenging, but definitely worth it. Luckily, there is a growing community who understand the transformational power of ketamine and psychedelic treatments, especially online!

Let us know if you have questions or even share ways you have answered the questions you faced when on treatment. Hopefully these tips can help you and your family handle this chapter in your life.