Ketamine Therapy: Mormon Stars’ Marriage Fix or Risky Trend?

Ketamine therapy, spotlighted in Season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has stirred curiosity after Jen and Zac Affleck credited it with saving their marriage. But what exactly is this controversial treatment, and does it live up to the hype?

Ketamine, primarily an anesthetic used in surgeries, has a dual life as a recreational drug, known for its dissociative effects that make users feel detached from reality, per the Cleveland Clinic. In recent years, it’s gained traction as a novel treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and suicidal ideation. The FDA greenlit a nasal spray version, Spravato, in 2019, marking a shift toward regulated mental health applications.

Zac Affleck, in a Women’s Health interview, praised ketamine’s potential when administered under medical supervision, noting its 'super impactful' effects. He also mentioned that while Mormon guidelines don’t explicitly forbid it, the therapy sits in a moral gray area. Clinical studies, including those on veterans, suggest ketamine can rapidly alleviate severe depression by fostering new connections between brain cells, according to Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Justin Gerstner, a psychiatrist at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, uses ketamine via IV in sessions paired with psychotherapy, describing it as 'transformative' for clients. However, experts like Dr. Rolando Larice of Sana Lake Recovery caution that it’s no quick fix. Ketamine carries risks—high doses can trigger cardiovascular issues, respiratory failure, seizures, or even addiction, per the American Addiction Centers.

While the Afflecks’ story highlights ketamine’s potential to mend personal struggles, professionals urge careful oversight. 'It’s not a cure-all,' Larice warned, emphasizing the need for medical monitoring to manage side effects like elevated blood pressure or urinary tract issues. As ketamine therapy gains mainstream attention, its promise comes with a call for caution.