For anyone in recovery, the idea of using any mind-altering substance—even for medical reasons—can feel risky, if not completely off-limits. That concern is valid and honored. Sobriety is sacred, and protecting it is always the highest priority. But what happens when someone in recovery faces intense depression, PTSD, or suicidal ideation that threatens that very sobriety?
This is where IV Ketamine, when administered under the right conditions, can be a lifeline, and not a relapse.
I have spent my career focused on understanding the complexities and specialties within psychiatry. For years, I specialized in addiction medicine and was one of California’s first leaders in administering both IV Ketamine and Spravato (esketamine). I’ve worked with countless individuals walking the delicate line between recovery and mental health crisis. Here’s what you need to know as you consider allowing me and my team to treat those in recovery.
Understanding Ketamine in a Clinical Setting
Ketamine, in its psychiatric applications, has gained ground over the past decade. What makes ketamine unique is its rapid-acting antidepressant effects, often working within hours or days, compared to months with traditional antidepressants such as SSRIs.
IV Ketamine is particularly helpful in treating:
These conditions often intersect with substance use disorders, sometimes even predating them. For many recovering from a substance use disorder, the untreated depression or trauma that fueled their addiction is still there. Ketamine offers a chance to heal without reaching for old coping mechanisms.
But Is It Safe in Recovery?
The concern is understandable: “If I use ketamine, am I compromising my sobriety?”
In a recreational setting—yes. But in a controlled, medical environment under the care of our addiction-trained team, no.
We exclusively administered the medication at our clinic. Ketamine is not taken home, not used recreationally, and not self-administered. Each infusion is done under medical supervision, and dosages are carefully calibrated. The goal is therapeutic, not euphoric.
For those in recovery, we tailor every treatment plan through the lens of addiction medicine. That means:
Reframing the Concept of Recovery
Recovery isn’t just the absence of substances—it’s about living free from the grip of addiction. Recovery is sobriety plus psychological change. If a person’s depression or trauma remains unaddressed, their recovery is constantly under threat, whether they’re “in active use” or not.
Ketamine—when used as a medical intervention—may actually keep someone from relapse. It can provide the emotional relief and neurological reset that allows therapy, support groups, and self-work to take hold.
Real Patients, Real Results
In our clinic, we’ve seen patients who have been sober for years, but are silently struggling. After IV Ketamine, many report:
These are not shortcuts. They’re medically-guided pathways toward more profound healing.
Why Experience Matters
If you’re considering ketamine treatment and you’re in recovery, the doctor you choose matters more than anything. This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. It requires vast experience, clinical precision, an understanding of addictive patterns, and deep respect for the recovery process.
I say this not to boast, but to build trust. As one of the most experienced ketamine psychiatrists in California, and as an addiction medicine specialist, I bring those experiences into each treatment plan.
The Bottom Line
While it’s always important to proceed thoughtfully, IV Ketamine can be a powerful tool for those in recovery. When used correctly, under medical supervision, it’s not a relapse. It’s a reset.
If you’re struggling with depression or trauma in recovery, you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are options. And they can be safe, effective, and aligned with your commitment to sobriety.
Let’s talk. Let’s heal. Let’s protect your recovery—together.
