Thanks to the recent release of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu, there has been a lot of buzz around the topic of ketamine therapy. The reality TV series showcases the daily routines of Mormon (also known as LDS) women from Utah, delving into their private lives and some unexpected practices.
If you’re curious about the peculiar blend of Mormon values and ketamine therapy on this show, here’s the quick scoop:
- Some of the women featured on the show use ketamine, an anesthetic, as a form of therapy.
- This therapy is administered by a healthcare professional and is used to strengthen their relationships and have deep conversations.
- It has become common practice among many Utahans to incorporate ketamine therapy into their lives for mental health benefits.
In reality TV, it’s not every day you see womenopenly discussing their use of ketamine for therapy. The show highlights this unconventional practice aimed at mental health improvements and relationship building, posing intriguing questions about the evolving boundaries of modern Mormon life..
So, what exactly is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a modern medical treatment that uses a dissociative anesthetic called ketamine. Originally developed as an anesthetic for surgeries, it is now becoming a common treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, thanks to how rapidly and effectively it can improve symptoms where other treatments have failed.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?
Ketamine therapy involves administering low, sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine, typically through an IV or by an injection. This process induces a short-term psychedelic state, where patients experience an altered consciousness. According to the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, this state can help individuals confront deep-seated emotions and trauma.
During the therapy, patients often feel “disconnected” from their bodies, which many describe as feeling “light” or “floaty.” This dissociative state usually fades into an “afterglow” as the treatment wears off, leaving patients with a sense of relief and positivity.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy
1. Rapid Symptom Relief: Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, ketamine therapy often provides relief within hours. This makes it a powerful option for those suffering from severe depression, anxiety, or chronic pain.
2. Emotional Trauma Healing: The therapy’s ability to induce a psychedelic state allows patients to confront and process emotional trauma. This can lead to significant breakthroughs in mental health.
3. Physical Trauma Therapy: Ketamine is also used to treat physical pain, making it a versatile option for those dealing with both emotional and physical trauma.
4. Positive Mindset Change: Patients often report a long-term positive change in their mindset and behavior. The afterglow effect helps maintain this positivity, improving overall quality of life.
5. Holistic Approach: Ketamine therapy is considered a holistic treatment. It addresses both the mental and physical aspects of a patient’s well-being, making it a comprehensive option for those in need.
FDA Approval: While ketamine itself is not FDA-approved for treating depression, a nasal spray version called SPRAVATO™ (esketamine) was approved by the FDA in 2019. This offers another method of administration for those seeking relief, and has the added benefit of being covered by many insurance providers.
Summary
Ketamine therapy has been gaining popularity as a groundbreaking treatment for mental health and physical pain. It provides rapid relief and helps patients confront deep-seated issues through a medically supervised process. As seen in the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, this therapy is becoming a part of modern life for some, blending medical innovation with personal well-being.
Ketamine Therapy in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
FDA Approval: While ketamine itself is not FDA-approved for treating depression, a nasal spray version called SPRAVATO™ (esketamine) was approved by the FDA in 2019. This offers another method of administration for those seeking relief, and has the added benefit of being covered by many insurance providers.
Summary
Ketamine therapy has been gaining popularity as a groundbreaking treatment for mental health and physical pain. It provides rapid relief and helps patients confront deep-seated issues through a medically supervised process. As seen in the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, this therapy is becoming a part of modern life for some, blending medical innovation with personal well-being.
Ketamine Therapy in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Demi Engemann’s Experience
Demi Engemann, a star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has been open about using ketamine therapy to strengthen her marriage with Bret Engemann. She revealed on the Viall Files podcast that ketamine has been “the biggest tool” for enhancing their relationship.
Administered by a Doctor: Demi emphasized that her ketamine therapy sessions are supervised and administered by licensed professionals. This ensures safety and proper dosage.
Microdosing and Emotional Breakthroughs: Demi describes the therapy as involving microdosing, which allows her to experience deep emotional breakthroughs. She mentions that the dissociative state induced by ketamine helps her and Bret have heart-to-heart conversations that they wouldn’t normally have.
Hallucinations and Deep Conversations: Demi says she experiences certain hallucinations during therapy, but she finds these sessions incredibly beneficial for breaking down emotional walls and diminishing pride. This allows for more genuine and heartfelt discussions.
Marriage Strengthening: Demi prefers to undergo ketamine therapy while Bret is in the room. This setup helps them “talk through their stuff” effectively, making their relationship stronger.
Impact on Co-stars: Demi’s experience has also influenced her co-stars. Mayci Neeley, another cast member, tried ketamine therapy after hearing about Demi’s positive experiences and found the therapy transformative.
The Risks of At-Home Ketamine Therapy: A Medical Perspective
The conversation around ketamine therapy among the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives took a dramatic turn when Whitney Leavitt revealed her discomfort over being recorded by Demi Engemann during her ketamine treatment. Whitney expressed feeling hurt and betrayed, highlighting the deeply personal and vulnerable nature of undergoing ketamine therapy. This incident underscores the importance of privacy and professional ethics in therapeutic settings, as the use of ketamine often involves sensitive emotional and psychological experiences.
While ketamine therapy is gaining recognition for its mental health benefits, particularly among some cast members, there are serious concerns about the safety of using ketamine at home without professional supervision.
Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) ketamine are the most commonly used forms in clinical settings. These methods get ketamine straight into the bloodstream, which means it works quickly and is highly effective. This fast action is especially important in acute situations, like severe depression or anxiety attacks, and it also lets healthcare providers carefully control the dosage and how patients respond.
On the other hand, oral ketamine therapy involves placing a dissolvable tablet under the tongue, and it’s a method some people—including those featured on the show—use at home. However, despite the ease of at-home use, oral ketamine comes with notable risks. The drug’s slower onset and reduced potency are due to first-pass metabolism, where the liver breaks down much of the ketamine before it enters the bloodstream, making it less effective than IM or IV routes. This lower bioavailability means users might not get the full therapeutic effects, which can lead to inconsistent results and even overuse. On top of that, taking ketamine at home without supervision increases the chances of incorrect dosing, side effects, and potential dependency.
Ketamine’s dissociative effects, which are carefully managed in clinical settings, can get unpredictable without professional supervision, leading to risks like altered consciousness, poor judgment, and even accidental injury. That’s why having medical oversight is so crucial—healthcare providers can keep an eye on patients, watch for side effects, and adjust doses as needed.
Although at-home ketamine tablets may seem like a convenient option, they come with serious safety risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Anyone thinking about ketamine therapy should talk with their healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective approach tailored to their needs.
Would Ketamine Therapy Be Right For Me?
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has left a lot of people wondering the same thing: Would I benefit from ketamine therapy?
At Anew Therapy Utah, our experienced and friendly team specialize in providing ketamine therapy for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Our approach is safe, holistic and patient-centric, ensuring that each treatment plan is customized to meet the unique needs of every individual.
So, if you’re feeling a little uncertain about whether ketamine therapy would be right for you, just reach out to us. Our clinic is a judgment-free zone, full of people who want the same thing: to overcome mental health burdens and live the fullest and healthiest life possible. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey toward improved mental health.FDA Approval: While ketamine itself is not FDA-approved for treating depression, a nasal spray version called SPRAVATO™ (esketamine) was approved by the FDA in 2019. This offers another method of administration for those seeking relief, and has the added benefit of being covered by many insurance providers.
