April Innerbloom Newsletter
Apr 16, 2024 12:00 pm
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
April 2024
This month, we would like to honor the first responders in our community. Their sacrifice, diligence and strength is what affords us the luxury of safety in this beautiful place we call home.
Aside from the immense challenges first responders encounter while on the job, it's tragic to note that law enforcement officers and firefighters are statistically more prone to die by suicide than in the line of active duty. Moreover, the true extent of suicide attempts and deaths among first responders is likely underestimated due to pervasive stigma and apprehensions about discussing mental health issues within their circles. Here, traditional notions of bravery, masculinity, and self-sufficiency often overshadow the importance of seeking support and care, contributing to underreporting and hindering open conversations about mental well-being.
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💕 EVENTS
1st Responder Conference
We are so excited to be part of a two-day conference on April 25-26, at the Madonna Expo Center focused on spreading awareness about the mental health challenges faced by first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and many others. This event promises to spark inspiring discussions and significantly reduce the stigma associated with the complex stressors encountered by our first responders and their families. As a small token of appreciation for these heroes, we will be offering a free infusion to first responder attendees deemed appropriate after a medical evaluation.
Follow us on Instagram @innerbloomkt to stay up to date on upcoming events!
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🗞️ NEWS
Utah Legalizes MDMA and Psilocybin for Psychedelic Therapy
Utah is making significant progress in the field of mental health care by initiating a three-year pilot program, set to offer MDMA and psilocybin treatments within hospitals starting May 1st. They are the first state in the nation to do so. This initiative arrives at a critical time, given that Utah ranks seventh in the nation for the prevalence of depression among adults, with suicide being the leading cause of death among the state's youth, ages 10-24. For further details about this groundbreaking law, make sure to read this post.
Psychedelics Paid for by Work? It’s Coming!
As discussed in a recent Wall Street Journal article, there is an emerging trend of companies incorporating psychedelic-assisted therapy into their employee benefits packages. Enthea, a startup company, provides these treatments at discounted rates through provider contracts. Currently, Enthea offers ketamine-assisted therapy within their network and plans to include psilocybin and potentially MDMA, pending FDA approval.
Over the past six months, Innerbloom has been working through the onboarding process with Enthea to enable employers in our community to offer IV ketamine therapy as a health benefit to their employees. We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
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⚗️ SCIENCE
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by symptoms such as sleep disturbances, nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors. Combat veterans are at a heightened risk, with approximately 1 in 3 suffering from PTSD. Current treatments, including oral antidepressants, have limited efficacy and are associated with side effects, thus prompting the exploration of new options. In a randomized controlled trial, thirty participants diagnosed with chronic PTSD received ketamine infusions over a 2-week period. The trial demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD symptoms with ketamine treatment, as well as reductions in depressive symptoms and overall severity of psychiatric illness.
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📺 WATCH
A heartfelt example of the psychological toll on first responders was highlighted in a recent New York Times video, which featured a brave firefighter's battle with trauma and his journey toward healing through ketamine therapy. This narrative, along with countless others, underscores an urgent need for effective mental health interventions.
This moving short documentary follows Justin LaPree, a Marine and firefighter, as he narrates his recovery from a suicide attempt amid battles with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. It introduces the non-profit Illuminating Heroes, and is a testament to Justin's vision for integrating psychedelic therapy into mental wellness. Through his story, the film forecasts a future where such innovative treatments offer hope and healing.
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📖 READ
The Essential Role of Integration in Ketamine and Psychedelic Therapy:
The ketamine and psychedelic experience can be deeply profound, setting the stage for transformation and growth. However, true change typically unfolds in the aftermath, a phase known as integration. Integration involves the careful and intentional incorporation of the psychedelic experience into one's daily life.
FAQs About Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health and Pain Treatment:
Find answers to frequently asked questions about ketamine therapy for mental health conditions and pain management. These questions often arise during my new client consultations. This article covers topics such as the therapy's effectiveness, benefits, indications, logistics, patient experiences, and more.
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📍Local Highlights
1️⃣ Must-Do Hike
Be sure to check out Point Buchon Trail at the far end of Montaña de Oro State Park for a breathtaking hike with epic coastal views and lots of flowers.
2️⃣ New Coffee Shop
Formally known as Skippers, this charming café has a new name, owner and aesthtic. Kaffeine, located on the corner next to Innerbloom, opened its doors this month. While I cannot take any credit for helping with the name, I must admit—I do like it!
3️⃣ Surfing For Hope
The Surfing for Hope Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to easing the challenges of cancer through the healing powers of surfing and the ocean. Surfing For Hope regularly host events and camps that are well worth considering if you have a passion for the ocean and for supporting community members. An upcoming camp, scheduled for May 18th at Pismo Beach, is open to individuals who are currently undergoing, or have completed, cancer treatment, as well as being open to oncology healthcare providers. The camp will include a brief yoga session on the beach followed by surfing lessons. For more details about this organization and how to get involved, visit the Surfing for Hope website.
A beautiful view along the Point Buchon Trail.
Thank you
...for your continued support and for taking the time to read! If you have any questions, or topics you'd like to see explored or introduced in future discussions, please feel free to reply to this email.
🌟 To stay up-to-date on news, research, and blog posts related to ketamine and Innerbloom, be sure to check the Blog tab on our Website and follow us on Instagram to get a glimpse into our daily practice of safe and effective practice of ketamine therapy. Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Ray Rivas, MD
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, PC
San Luis Obispo, CA
(805) 321-8471
