What Is Ketamine Therapy? Mormon Reality Stars Endorse Controversial Treatment for Mental Health

Season 2 of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" recently followed Jen and Zac Affleck as they underwent ketamine therapy—a treatment the couple claims was instrumental in saving their marriage. Their experience has ignited questions about the drug itself and its potential role in improving both mental health and personal relationships.

Ketamine is primarily known as an anesthetic, frequently administered to induce sleep before or after surgical procedures. It also has a reputation as a recreational drug due to its mind-altering effects and risk for abuse. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) categorizes ketamine as a "dissociative drug," meaning it can create sensations of detachment from one’s body or environment.

*Recent years have seen ketamine emerge as a cutting-edge treatment for people with severe depression that does not respond to traditional antidepressants (so-called treatment-resistant depression, or TRD).*

• In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Spravato, a nasal spray containing a derivative of ketamine, for adults with TRD and those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Medical professionals believe that ketamine works differently than conventional antidepressants. According to the Mayo Clinic, the drug may help boost connections between brain cells—potentially easing depressive symptoms and reducing suicidal ideation within hours or days. Dr. Justin Gerstner, chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, remarked, "It's been quite transformative for a lot of our clients." His clinic typically administers ketamine through intravenous infusion, coupled with psychotherapy before and after the sessions.

However, the use of ketamine comes with significant caveats. At high doses, the medication can be dangerous, affecting cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems. Reported risks include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Problems with judgment and memory
• Addiction or dependency
• Urinary and bladder issues such as ulcerative cystitis

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical advisor, explained that overdose deaths can occur due to excess sedation, respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and other complications. Medical experts consistently stress that ketamine therapy should only be conducted under strict supervision by trained professionals.

Zac Affleck, reflecting on his own experience, stated, "It can be a party drug, and it can be abused, but I think if you have the right intention and you do it in the proper setting with a doctor, it can be super impactful." He also noted that, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he and his wife found themselves navigating a "gray area," since there is no direct prohibition against ketamine use in Mormon guidelines.

Recent clinical research offers cautious optimism. Studies have indicated that ketamine can relieve severe depression in some populations, including military veterans. However, experts like Dr. Rolando Larice of Sana Lake Recovery urge the public to avoid seeing ketamine as a cure-all. "If it’s shown as a quick fix to solve all of your problems rather than a step toward healing, that’s when it can be dangerous," Larice warned.

In summary:

• Ketamine therapy may provide hope for patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression.
• Treatment is strictly supervised and combined with psychotherapy for best outcomes.
• The drug carries significant risks, including addiction and physiological side effects, making medical oversight essential.
• Claims of relationship or life transformation, while compelling, should be viewed within the broader context of ongoing medical research and individual patient needs.

Ultimately, while stories like the Afflecks’ capture public attention, medical professionals emphasize that ketamine’s benefits and risks must be weighed carefully—always with the guidance of experienced healthcare providers.