With the rise of ketamine as a breakthrough treatment for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, many patients are asking an important question: Is ketamine an opioid? It’s a fair concern given the well-known opioid epidemic in the United States, and one that deserves a clear, science-backed answer.
To give the short version: No, ketamine is not an opioid. It does not belong to the opioid class of drugs, and it does not work by binding to the same receptors in the brain as medications like morphine, fentanyl, or oxycodone.
However, ketamine’s interactions with certain neural systems are complex, and that’s what makes it so powerful in treating mental disorders when other medications have failed.
At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we offer ketamine infusion therapy in a safe, supervised, and supportive environment. This article will break down the science behind ketamine infusions, explain why it’s different from opioids, and help you decide whether this treatment is right for you. For many, it has been the solution they’ve waited years to find.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was first developed in the 1960s. It has been used for decades in hospitals and surgical centers to sedate patients quickly and safely, particularly in trauma or emergency settings.
In the last 20 years, researchers began exploring its psychiatric benefits, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. At low, controlled doses, ketamine infusions act on a different part of the brain than traditional antidepressants, thus providing rapid and lasting symptom relief.
How Is Ketamine Different from Opioids?
While opioids primarily work by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces pain and creates euphoria, ketamine does not primarily act on these receptors. Instead, it affects the glutamate system, specifically NMDA receptors, which are involved in learning, memory, and neuroplasticity.
Key differences:
| Feature | Opioids | Ketamine |
| Primary receptor target | Mu-opioid receptors | NMDA receptors |
| Primary effect | Pain relief, sedation, euphoria | Dissociation, mood regulation, and neuroplasticity |
| Risk of dependency | High | Very low (in clinical use) |
| FDA-approved psychiatric use | No | Yes (specifically esketamine for depression) |
| Controlled substance | Schedule II (high abuse risk) | Schedule III (lower abuse risk) |
While high doses of ketamine used recreationally can have addictive potential, medically supervised IV ketamine therapy at a licensed mental health clinic has an extremely low risk of abuse.
A review published in Nature concluded that while ketamine may have some overlap with opioid pathways, these effects are minimal at therapeutic doses used in psychiatry.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion often stems from ketamine’s ability to reduce pain and elevate mood, two effects that opioids also produce. But just because two drugs produce similar outcomes doesn’t mean they act on the same systems.
Additionally, some early studies suggested that ketamine’s antidepressant effect might involve secondary interaction with opioid receptors. However, later research confirmed that its primary antidepressant mechanism is independent of the opioid system.
For those worried about addiction, this distinction is crucial. Unlike opioids, ketamine is not physically addictive when used appropriately in a clinical setting.
What Is Ketamine Used to Treat?
Ketamine is most commonly used to treat:
- Major depressive disorder (especially treatment-resistant depression)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Chronic suicidal thoughts
At Serenity, we tailor ketamine treatment plans to each individual based on their diagnosis, symptoms, and past treatment history. You can explore our full mental health services to see how ketamine fits into broader care options.
Is Ketamine Safe?
Yes. When delivered in a licensed, supervised environment like our outpatient clinics, ketamine is considered safe and effective. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Common ketamine therapy side effects include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mild dissociation
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Sensory sensitivity
- Fatigue after treatment
More serious side effects are rare and are always monitored by medical staff during ketamine infusion therapy sessions.
How Is Ketamine Therapy Administered?
There are two main forms of psychiatric ketamine treatment:
1. IV Ketamine Therapy
This involves a slow intravenous drip, usually over 40–60 minutes. It’s the most studied and effective form of ketamine infusion therapy, and the ketamine treatment option we specialize in here at Serenity.
2. Esketamine (Spravato®)
This FDA-approved nasal spray is used for treatment-resistant depression and is covered by most insurance providers.
If you’re wondering what a ketamine infusion session is like at Serenity, check out our in-depth guide: What to Expect During Ketamine Infusion Therapy.
Does Ketamine Cause Euphoria?
At recreational doses, ketamine can produce euphoria, hallucinations, and dissociation. These effects are sometimes sought out for non-medical use. But the low, therapeutic doses used in ketamine therapy for depression make these effects minimal and temporary.
Unlike opioids, ketamine does not produce a “high” that leads to compulsive use when administered in a clinical setting. Most patients report feeling calm, introspective, or mildly detached during a session, rather than euphoric.
Is Ketamine Addictive?
In clinical use, ketamine has low abuse potential. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies it as a Schedule III controlled substance, which indicates a moderate risk of abuse, but significantly less than opioids like oxycodone or fentanyl.
When used in a professional mental health clinic under the guidance of licensed psychiatrists, the risk of addiction is reasonably low. We monitor every patient for side effects, response, and symptom changes throughout their treatment plan.
Who Should Avoid Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine treatment may not be recommended for individuals with:
- Active substance use disorders
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Untreated psychosis
- Certain cardiovascular conditions
Before starting therapy, our care team performs a full medical and psychiatric evaluation. We’ll also help you understand your insurance coverage and discuss costs, which you can learn more about on our insurance plans page.
Why Choose Serenity for Ketamine Therapy?
Serenity Mental Health Centers is one of the leading providers of ketamine infusion therapy in the country. Our clinics are staffed by experienced psychiatrists, expert nurse practitioners, and care coordinators who specialize in modern mental health solutions.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Comfortable, private treatment rooms
- Personalized care tailored to your symptoms and history
- Flexible outpatient scheduling
- Therapy integration options
- A warm, stigma-free experience
- Access to additional treatments like TMS therapy
Learn more about our mission and story on the About Us page.
What Makes Ketamine So Effective?
The key behind the success of ketamine infusion therapy for our patients is speed and depth of relief. While standard antidepressants may take 4–6 weeks to show results, ketamine can start to relieve symptoms within hours or days. This is especially important for people struggling with suicidal thoughts or deep, paralyzing depression.
By promoting neuroplasticity, ketamine helps the brain “rewire” negative thought loops and emotional patterns, giving you the mental flexibility to engage in therapy and daily life again. That’s why we recommend ketamine as part of a broader behavioral health strategy that includes therapy, lifestyle support, and routine follow-ups.
Ready to Explore a New Option?
If you’re living with depression or another mental disorder that hasn’t responded to treatment, ketamine may be the turning point. It’s not an opioid, and it’s not a last resort; it’s a science-backed, rapidly growing option that has already helped thousands of people reclaim their lives. Our team at Serenity is here to help you decide if ketamine therapy near me is the next right step for you.
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FAQ: Is Ketamine an Opioid?
Is ketamine an opioid?
No. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that primarily affects the NMDA receptor system. It is not chemically or functionally related to opioids.
Does ketamine interact with opioid receptors?
There may be minimal secondary interactions, but ketamine’s main mechanism involves glutamate and neuroplasticity, not mu-opioid receptors.
Is ketamine therapy addictive?
Not when used clinically. Recreational use may carry risks, but professional IV ketamine therapy in a supervised setting is safe and has very low abuse potential.
What conditions does ketamine treat?
Ketamine is effective for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, bipolar depression, and suicidal ideation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
