The Eulas Centre, based in Scotland and run by former jockey and rehab worker John Gillen, has been granted a license to offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions. During these sessions, controlled doses of ketamine are administered via either IV infusion, nasal spray or oral medication so patients can be in a “state of consciousness” that enables them to explore emotional and psychological issues while speaking with a health professional. These sessions can last between 40 minutes to two hours, with several sessions over several weeks or months being required.
According to Eulas’ website, KAP can be used to treat those suffering from conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. The website also states that KAP can relieve symptoms of mental health issues, enhance therapy, increase patients’ motivation, provide long-lasting effects, and reduce the need for other medication. Experts have explained that ketamine can work as an effective treatment for depression, as its dissociative and anaesthetic effects can work faster than other antidepressant drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Ketamine can boost levels of the serotonin hormone and reprogram cells that affect mood and thought patterns. However, ketamine comes with a number of serious side effects including physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, as well as psychological effects such as anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations. There is also the potential for dependency on the drug.
Health Improvement Scotland granted the license after a two-year wait, and Gillen has put his life savings into the venture. Gillen hopes that “in time, the NHS will recognise this as a valuable treatment and fund it for people.” Awakn in Bristol became the UK’s first ketamine therapy clinic in 2021, offering nine-week courses to help those suffering from mental illnesses such as addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Since then, more ketamine therapy clinics have opened in England, from Liverpool to London.
For those interested, more information about the Eulas Centre can be found on their website
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