Exploring Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Banimahd
Episode Overview
Ketamine's role in treating depression and pain Importance of cautious use in addiction recovery Insight into ketamine's mechanisms and effects Challenges in substance abuse treatment Role of therapy alongside ketamine treatment
The primary effect of a hallucinogen is it alters perception thought, mood, by affecting how your brain processes sensory information coming in.
In this insightful episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, Coach Blu Robinson welcomes Dr. Faried Banimahd, a specialist in addiction medicine, to discuss the complexities of ketamine therapy in the context of mental health and addiction recovery. The conversation begins with a brief introduction of Dr. Banimahd's professional background and his transition from academia to practicing substance abuse medicine. Dr.
Banimahd shares his expertise and insights into ketamine's history, its medical uses, and its growing popularity as a therapeutic option. Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, has gained attention for its potential in treating treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain management. Dr. Banimahd explains the mechanisms by which ketamine alters perception, thought, and mood, offering a window of opportunity for those who have experienced failures with traditional medications.
However, the discussion also addresses the caution needed in administering ketamine, especially to individuals with a history of substance abuse. Dr. Banimahd emphasizes the importance of integrating therapy with ketamine treatment to achieve long-term success in overcoming mental health and addiction barriers. He warns of potential side effects such as cognitive memory decline and bladder inflammation, highlighting the need for well-informed and responsible use.
The episode touches on the tragic story of actor Matthew Perry and the possible role ketamine played in his untimely death, underscoring the vital need for comprehensive therapeutic processes. Dr. Banimahd shares examples of how some celebrities' support systems can exacerbate their detachment from reality, stressing the importance of positive, therapeutic interventions. Listeners are encouraged to follow Dr. Banimahd's work across various social media platforms, where he continues to share valuable insights into addiction recovery and mental health.
The episode concludes with a reminder for those in recovery or seeking support to explore Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) resources and related content from previous podcast episodes featuring Dr. Banimahd.