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The Ketamine Breakthrough: How to Find Freedom from Depression, Lift Anxiety, and Open Up to a New World ofPossibilities
New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mike Dow and Ronan Levy, founder of Field Trip, the world's largest provider of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, offer ways to integrate ketamine into treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
It’s been described as the most important breakthrough in mental health since the introduction of Prozac in 1986. And though once considered taboo, the psychedelic compound, ketamine, is experiencing a spectacular therapeutic comeback.
When combined with psychotherapy, ketamine, which has been described as the being possibly the “most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades,” has the potential to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other debilitating mental illnesses—and change lives.
Unlike antidepressants, which merely mask the pain, psychedelics that heal the brain are the future. Instead of putting Band-Aids on the brain, with Ketamine Assisted-Psychotherapy, you can actually repair the neurological damage caused by stress, anxiety, neglect, and abuse.
In this book, best-selling author Dr. Mike Dow and Field Trip co-founder Ronan Levy provide a broad overview of where KAP came from, how it works, who it works for, and what to expect. More importantly, The Ketamine Breakthrough gives specific protocols for both practitioners and patients to follow in their work with KAP.
This book contains hope for those diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, plagued by trauma and frozen by fears. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has also proven effective for people with drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions, existential depression, grief, and just feeling stuck . People with unresolved resentments, anger, and the everyday anxieties of modern life will also benefit. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has been enormously helpful with couples, groups, and veterans, which will be addressed in the book as well.
This is the go-to manual for therapists and anyone who wants to learn more about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. For those undergoing this revolutionary protocol, it includes a session-by-session Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Workbook to enhance and deepen the treatment.
It’s been described as the most important breakthrough in mental health since the introduction of Prozac in 1986. And though once considered taboo, the psychedelic compound, ketamine, is experiencing a spectacular therapeutic comeback.
When combined with psychotherapy, ketamine, which has been described as the being possibly the “most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades,” has the potential to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other debilitating mental illnesses—and change lives.
Unlike antidepressants, which merely mask the pain, psychedelics that heal the brain are the future. Instead of putting Band-Aids on the brain, with Ketamine Assisted-Psychotherapy, you can actually repair the neurological damage caused by stress, anxiety, neglect, and abuse.
In this book, best-selling author Dr. Mike Dow and Field Trip co-founder Ronan Levy provide a broad overview of where KAP came from, how it works, who it works for, and what to expect. More importantly, The Ketamine Breakthrough gives specific protocols for both practitioners and patients to follow in their work with KAP.
This book contains hope for those diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, plagued by trauma and frozen by fears. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has also proven effective for people with drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions, existential depression, grief, and just feeling stuck . People with unresolved resentments, anger, and the everyday anxieties of modern life will also benefit. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has been enormously helpful with couples, groups, and veterans, which will be addressed in the book as well.
This is the go-to manual for therapists and anyone who wants to learn more about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. For those undergoing this revolutionary protocol, it includes a session-by-session Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Workbook to enhance and deepen the treatment.
- GenresPsychologyNonfiction
248 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
53 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 4, 2024
I'm punting this one at 21%. It's possible that it has some useful info — there was certainly a lot that I liked and wanted to believe. But the bottom line is that I don't trust it, because it's clearly an advertisement for the authors' company/services. So everything they say is sus, which is unfortunate especially because there is a dearth of material for the lay person on this subject.
January 20, 2024
As someone who has been on ketamine therapy for over 6 years I was looking forward to this book arriving at my library. There isn't much out there written for the lay person about ketamine and I was curious to learn about other peoples experiences and things I may not know about. When I finally got to read the book I was quickly frustrated to realize that it's written primarily as a marketing tool to promote sales of the specific ketamine services provided by Field Trip while ignoring or diminishing the value of others. Half the book is a "workbook" for people who are getting and preparing to get the specific KAP (ketamine assisted psychotherapy) therapy that Field Trip provides and the book tries to convince readers is the best or "right" way to use ketamine. Remember, Field Trip is a for-profit business.
Six years ago, after being on a wait list for four years, I received two weeks of inpatient IV ketamine at a large urban hospital in my city as a treatment for relentless and difficult to treat chronic pain. While some patients find that IV therapy gives them weeks or even months of pain relief, this was not the case for me. It was decided that I was a good candidate for oral (sublingual) ketamine therapy in the community (in much smaller but more regular doses than those used for KAP). I live in Canada so while I do pay for the prescription ($800 per year approximately), the IV treatment was fully covered, as are the appointments with my pain specialist GP. The KAP at Field Trip costs a minimum of $5000 (CDN) for 6 sessions. No where in the book is it acknowledged that most people will not be able to afford a therapy like this.
There are multiple instances of misleading or misinformation, for example, that "In Canada, ketamine is approved only for TRD" (treatment-resistant depression). This isn't true. The chapter "The Future of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy" is full of their predictions including that "insurance companies will emphasize value-based care where pay is based on how healthy they help people become instead of reimbursing based on the number of procedures done." ROFL!
Ketamine, much like the book claims, has radically changed my life. Except stories like mine are not represented in this book because they won't make sales for Field Trip. The book recommends ketamine for basically everyone and anyone and that's fine, I believe that a psychedelic experience can have a profound impact on a person's life and I support people to have those experiences, regardless of whether they are chronically ill like I am. But they are clearly using this as a way to sell their product. If that wasn't the case they would have presented a much more diverse and thorough picture of who uses ketamine, how they access it, and gone into a lot more depth on the subject.
Six years ago, after being on a wait list for four years, I received two weeks of inpatient IV ketamine at a large urban hospital in my city as a treatment for relentless and difficult to treat chronic pain. While some patients find that IV therapy gives them weeks or even months of pain relief, this was not the case for me. It was decided that I was a good candidate for oral (sublingual) ketamine therapy in the community (in much smaller but more regular doses than those used for KAP). I live in Canada so while I do pay for the prescription ($800 per year approximately), the IV treatment was fully covered, as are the appointments with my pain specialist GP. The KAP at Field Trip costs a minimum of $5000 (CDN) for 6 sessions. No where in the book is it acknowledged that most people will not be able to afford a therapy like this.
There are multiple instances of misleading or misinformation, for example, that "In Canada, ketamine is approved only for TRD" (treatment-resistant depression). This isn't true. The chapter "The Future of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy" is full of their predictions including that "insurance companies will emphasize value-based care where pay is based on how healthy they help people become instead of reimbursing based on the number of procedures done." ROFL!
Ketamine, much like the book claims, has radically changed my life. Except stories like mine are not represented in this book because they won't make sales for Field Trip. The book recommends ketamine for basically everyone and anyone and that's fine, I believe that a psychedelic experience can have a profound impact on a person's life and I support people to have those experiences, regardless of whether they are chronically ill like I am. But they are clearly using this as a way to sell their product. If that wasn't the case they would have presented a much more diverse and thorough picture of who uses ketamine, how they access it, and gone into a lot more depth on the subject.
June 16, 2023
It is funny how many drugs there are like Ketamine (i.e. have the potential to cause a huge shift in an individual’s chronic illness in a short period of time, while not being remotely as harmful as the currently prescribed drugs) that have been around for decades (and some even centuries) yet are deemed “bad” or illegal by the government.
All these substances out there that are miles more effective and efficient at solving the most debilitating and widely spread issues (Anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, etc) that people face are still being withheld (or brought to those suffering at a snail's pace) from millions because the government simply wants control over its people vs what is actually best for them.
The only reason these drugs are beginning to see the light of day is because of the passionate scientists, researchers, and users who continue to push for their legality.
If not for these people, the cycle of being prescribed one prescription drug (laced with more side effects than you can even imagine) would cascade into the never-ending prescription of another drug, and another drug, and another drug. All to “deal” with the side effects of the previous drug.
The Government wants you on a life long subscription plan for your health while they demonize and criminalize all of the one-time payment options.
All while you suffer immensely (and unnecessarily) physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Review:
All in all this book is great for spreading awareness of Ketamine's benefits, and just how helpful it can be, but I found it to be very average.
I felt like the authors were going around in circles through it. Even though I have never read a book specifically on Ketamine, the majority of this information felt like something I already knew (perhaps because of the similar benefits it has to psychedelics).
For anyone who read this book, I’d highly recommend 2 others.
Recommendations:
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs
A 10 out of 5. It will give you a closer look into just how atrocious the United States drug policy (War on Drugs) is to not only its citizens but the entire world. This is one of the books that would be mandatory in school (if you know the government ACTUALLY wanted you to be well-informed and aware of what’s truly going on). It lends very well as an audiobook too so I highly recommend that version of it. A lot of great stories to be heard! A phenomenal book.
The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
Similar to this book but not repetitive, more descriptive, more informative and the book ties a narrative into it all. It’s what I hoped this book would be. And of course, it discusses a different drug.
It was so nice actually getting to hear about the patients’ experiences too! I simply can’t believe this (Ketamine) book did not do that!!!
All these substances out there that are miles more effective and efficient at solving the most debilitating and widely spread issues (Anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, etc) that people face are still being withheld (or brought to those suffering at a snail's pace) from millions because the government simply wants control over its people vs what is actually best for them.
The only reason these drugs are beginning to see the light of day is because of the passionate scientists, researchers, and users who continue to push for their legality.
If not for these people, the cycle of being prescribed one prescription drug (laced with more side effects than you can even imagine) would cascade into the never-ending prescription of another drug, and another drug, and another drug. All to “deal” with the side effects of the previous drug.
The Government wants you on a life long subscription plan for your health while they demonize and criminalize all of the one-time payment options.
All while you suffer immensely (and unnecessarily) physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Review:
All in all this book is great for spreading awareness of Ketamine's benefits, and just how helpful it can be, but I found it to be very average.
I felt like the authors were going around in circles through it. Even though I have never read a book specifically on Ketamine, the majority of this information felt like something I already knew (perhaps because of the similar benefits it has to psychedelics).
For anyone who read this book, I’d highly recommend 2 others.
Recommendations:
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs
A 10 out of 5. It will give you a closer look into just how atrocious the United States drug policy (War on Drugs) is to not only its citizens but the entire world. This is one of the books that would be mandatory in school (if you know the government ACTUALLY wanted you to be well-informed and aware of what’s truly going on). It lends very well as an audiobook too so I highly recommend that version of it. A lot of great stories to be heard! A phenomenal book.
The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
Similar to this book but not repetitive, more descriptive, more informative and the book ties a narrative into it all. It’s what I hoped this book would be. And of course, it discusses a different drug.
It was so nice actually getting to hear about the patients’ experiences too! I simply can’t believe this (Ketamine) book did not do that!!!
June 18, 2023
This is a great intro book for people wanting to learn m
about KAP. I did and internship with a US clinic that provides KAP, so i already had most of this information and did not find it as informative as I was hoping for. I think the workbook questions would be beneficially for people who are actively engaged in this treatment, but again, it was not relevant to me.
I had a few frustrations including the way they villainize antidepressants. They are also very rarely discuss negatives of this treatment and focus on all the positives. It felt less scientific and more of a sales pitch. At one point they state “is ketamine for you? most likely.” This type of generalization and marketing as a Cure All made me uncomfortable as a health care professional.
Overall, if you want a beginner’s understanding of KAP, this is a good choice. I also want to repeat that I think the workbook questions are also great for providers or patients of this treatment.
about KAP. I did and internship with a US clinic that provides KAP, so i already had most of this information and did not find it as informative as I was hoping for. I think the workbook questions would be beneficially for people who are actively engaged in this treatment, but again, it was not relevant to me.
I had a few frustrations including the way they villainize antidepressants. They are also very rarely discuss negatives of this treatment and focus on all the positives. It felt less scientific and more of a sales pitch. At one point they state “is ketamine for you? most likely.” This type of generalization and marketing as a Cure All made me uncomfortable as a health care professional.
Overall, if you want a beginner’s understanding of KAP, this is a good choice. I also want to repeat that I think the workbook questions are also great for providers or patients of this treatment.
October 16, 2023
Unfortunately this book is very anti spravato and that was not indicated on the summary. For some patients, spravato is the only affordable treatment option and this book talks a lot of crap about it. I would have liked to see information about ketamine treatments outside of those offered in "field trip" and hoped this book would provide info and insight into spravato as well.
Not the book I was looking for.
Not the book I was looking for.
January 23, 2024
Not a book but a promotional brochure for 'lawyer-turned-entrepreneur' (his words) Ronan Levy's Field Trip Health and Wellness Ltd. Transforms the wonder of ketamine into something like teeth-whitening.
April 13, 2025
Honestly incredibly mid and written by two white men (as I was getting annoyed I checked out the back cover, which checks out) who constantly reference mantras like “it’s safe to be who you are” and “it’s safe to express your true self” which don’t hit in the age of fascism where it simply isn’t if you’re marginalized lmao. Far more often than not, in this day and again simply isn’t, for me it isn’t and clearly I and others like me are not kept in mind. Also just overall a huge ad for their extremely expensive treatment center which only the 1% or 5% could ever afford… like ok…speaking of ellipses they use it CONSTANTLY and it is honestly insufferable and many of their ~affirmations and visual journeys~ read like a bad meditation done by men appropriating eastern culture with little to no acknowledgement of the origins of some of their visualizations in their meditation.
Most people can’t afford fancy IV ketamine in LA in a zero gravity chair, and it’s so out of touch that you are demonizing Spravato (the only option for hundreds of thousands of americans). Some of the journal prompts, particularly the integration session questions and prompts seem helpful and the explanation of the ego death etc. But if you’re considering starting treatment, a few google searches, journal entries, de stressing and contact with loved ones is more than enough vs this $20 book. Nothing special.
Most people can’t afford fancy IV ketamine in LA in a zero gravity chair, and it’s so out of touch that you are demonizing Spravato (the only option for hundreds of thousands of americans). Some of the journal prompts, particularly the integration session questions and prompts seem helpful and the explanation of the ego death etc. But if you’re considering starting treatment, a few google searches, journal entries, de stressing and contact with loved ones is more than enough vs this $20 book. Nothing special.
November 8, 2023
An excellent overview of the use of ketamine from a treatment and psychotherapeutic perspective. Part of the safety of using ketamine as a therapeutic tool, is managing people's anxiety. I think this should be obligatory reading for people considering KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy). I appreciate how it makes scientific, medical and therapeutic concepts and terms readily accessible and understandable for the lay person, yet is sufficiently detailed to support health care professionals interested in KAP & ketamine use in a treatment setting. I would recommend it to clients and colleagues
March 21, 2024
Good information on the pharmacological history of ketamine, but I felt like they were trying to sell me on KAP. Which, the authors do have a company that does it that they refer to often. I get that, but it just felt car salesman-y. Very interesting read though, and I do believe ketamine helps people with suicidal thoughts and treatment resistant depression. But there was very little studies cited about the efficacy of KAP. Maybe because there aren’t any? Because it’s too new? Because of politics around psychedelic medicine? I don’t know. It left me wondering if low doses of ketamine followed by KAP really does benefit people in the long term.
January 11, 2025
Definitely a nice break from the academic literature i normally read on remedies for treatment resistant disorders. Quick and easy to understand as well, if you are someone who is new to this topic.
Obviously it is targeted towards the individual who is receiving/considering KAP, but i thought it was interesting to read through the prompts and discussions with a clinicians POV. I would recommend this book to some of my friends who may be curious on the topic (whether or not they are on their own MH journey).
Obviously it is targeted towards the individual who is receiving/considering KAP, but i thought it was interesting to read through the prompts and discussions with a clinicians POV. I would recommend this book to some of my friends who may be curious on the topic (whether or not they are on their own MH journey).
March 8, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. A guide to using ketamine as a treatment modality. Very interesting to see the movement towards using physchodelics to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD. The right amount of clinical data and storytelling to bring home a positive message and debunk “all drugs are bad” slogan.
February 20, 2024
Very interesting, and insightful book with details about how ketamine "lights" of the brain in medically-supervised settings. I tip my hat to both Dr. Mike Dow and Ronan Levy for bringing this kind of psychotherapy to world!
April 9, 2025
This book was lightly sprinkled with facts about this interesting new approach to treating depression, but was ultimately a book-form advertisement for the branded clinics the co-authors founded. If you really want factual investigation about Ketamine, this ain't it - keep looking.
September 7, 2023
Excellent ketamine protocol and information but the book has a sales-flyer component to it that made it less useful. Also the audio book didn't translate well because of all the workbook chapters.
January 30, 2024
the workbook is helpful
April 28, 2024
Some of it was informative but it was mostly advertising for Field Trip. Disappointing.
May 7, 2024
Short and sweet and to the point. Excellent info in this one.
May 12, 2024
Too bad Field Trip concept did not work in Toronto. Hoping the startup Cardinal Ketamine Chronic Pain Centre will succeed here in Burlington.
March 2, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. A guide to using ketamine as a treatment modality. Very interesting to see the movement towards using physchodelics to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD. The right amount of clinical data and storytelling to bring home a positive message and debunk “all drugs are bad” slogan.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews