November Innerbloom Newsletter
Nov 12, 2024 2:01 pm
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
November 2024
November is a time to reflect on gratitude, appreciate the good in our lives, and connect with loved ones. Building social connections and practicing gratitude can boost mood, reduce depression and anxiety, and enhance resilience, leading to greater life satisfaction. This month, I encourage you to consider who or what you’re grateful for—and don’t forget to let them know!
_______________________________________________________________________
🗞️ NEWS
The Future of Psychedelic Therapies: Insights from Recent Elections
Massachusetts voters recently rejected Ballot Question 4, which would have legalized and regulated natural psychedelics like psilocybin, DMT, and ibogaine. Supporters argued these substances could transform mental health care, providing new treatment options for depression and PTSD in safe, licensed environments while generating tax revenue. However, opponents cited safety concerns, limited research, and regulatory hurdles.
In Oregon, recent elections have also led to a significant reduction in psilocybin therapy sites, with bans passing in 16 out of 17 jurisdictions. Although legalized in 2020, many Oregon communities have opted out, leaving some patients with limited access and requiring long-distance travel for treatment, which can be challenging for those with PTSD or anxiety.
The debate on psychedelics may intensify as political dynamics shift. President elect Donald Trump recently proposed giving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. significant influence over health policy, including agencies like the CDC, FDA and NIH.
Kennedy, who has floated ideas about deregulating products like raw milk, ivermectin, and even psychedelics—raises both interest and concerns about his vision for wellness in America.
Once viewed as left-wing countercultural, psychedelics are now garnering bipartisan interest, raising questions about the future of mental health treatments. Could this shift propel progress or lead to new setbacks? Could MDMA get another chance? There’s no doubt we’re entering an intriguing time, filled with questions about the future of psychedelics and the role they might play in mental health care.
_______________________________________________________________________
⚗️ SCIENCE
1️⃣ IV Ketamine: A Promising Breakthrough for Treatment-Resistant PTSD:
A new study found that IV ketamine, when administered in a therapeutic environment modeled after psychedelic-assisted therapy—with a carefully curated setting, warm ambiance, selected music, eye shades, and intentional preparation and integration sessions—offered rapid and lasting relief from symptoms.
Results? 75% showed significant improvement, and over 60% achieved full remission of their symptoms!
2️⃣ Long-term Benefits of Ketamine in Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Major Depressive Disorder:
The results of this large-scale study provide compelling evidence that ketamine is more than just a short-term fix for major depressive disorder (MDD). For patients with recurrent MDD, especially those at risk of suicide, ketamine can offer lasting relief from suicidal thoughts, significantly lowering their risk for up to nine months.
_______________________________________________________________________
🏄🏻♂️ EVENT
Catch Team Innerbloom at the Cancer Resource Health Fair hosted by Surf for Hope on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Pismo Pier. The fair will showcase businesses and organizations dedicated to supporting, educating, and helping those impacted by cancer. Bring your friends and family to this incredible event, and while you're there, enjoy the Surfing for Hope Longboard Classic—a World Surf League professional surf contest!
__________________________________________________________
📖 ON THE BLOG
Ketamine, Psilocybin, and Microdosing for Depression and Mental Health Treatment: Curious about how ketamine therapy compares to psilocybin for mental health? You’re not alone—many of our patients ask about the differences between these treatments, as well as about the concept of "microdosing."
Comparing IV and IM Ketamine for the Treatment of Mental Health and Pain: At Innerbloom, we offer both intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration routes for ketamine therapy. Discover the differences between these options and find out which approach might be best suited for you.
IV Ketamine vs. Oral Ketamine: Understanding the Differences in Setting, Care, Efficacy, Dosing, and Safety: At Innerbloom, we do not offer oral ketamine due to its lackluster effectiveness and concerns about quality and consistency. While its accessibility and lower cost make oral ketamine intriguing to some, there are some clear drawbacks and things to consider.
_______________________________________________________________________
🎧 MEDIA & FUN STUFF
One of my favorite podcasters, Tim Ferriss, hosts internet entrepreneur Kevin Rose (starting at minute 6) to discuss his journey with mental health struggles. Kevin shares his experiences with various treatment options, including antidepressants, and explains how ketamine therapy "massively transformed" his life. He offers an in-depth look at the infusion experience.
🎸 NEW MUSIC
Take a listen to Hermanos Gutiérrez – think Spanish guitar infused with Texas twang and a hint of surf vibes. Their sound is perfect for unwinding. They also put on an amazing live show at Austin City Limits last month.
Libby and I took a few days off to tie the knot at the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse a few weeks ago. We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend; we were blessed with incredible weather and surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. I am pleased to re-introduce our clinic manager as Mrs. Rivas!
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.
Missed a newsletter? Click here to catch up on our previous issues!
🌟 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
