Your Ketamine Journey Guide
Your Path to a Powerful Ketamine Experience
A supportive step-by-step path to help you feel prepared, centered, and ready to receive the full benefits of your ketamine session.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
Holistic Preparation
More than a checklist, we help you prepare mind, body, and spirit for a transformative experience.Personalized Support
Compassionate guidance tailored to your needs, from your first intention-setting to post-session integration.Evidence-Based Care
Safe, research-backed protocols led by experienced professionals in psychedelic therapy.
Your Supportive Ketamine Journey Guide:
Prepare, Center, and Receive the Full Benefits
Your ketamine experience begins long before you arrive and continues long after you leave. At Daydream MD, we view preparation as part of the healing—helping you feel safe, centered, and ready to receive the full benefits of your session. This isn’t just a checklist; it’s your companion guide to create a sacred, supportive space for transformation.
Step 1: The Day Before - Begin with Intention
This is your time to gently turn inward and prepare your mind, body, and spirit.
01
Set a heartfelt intention.
02
Nourish your body.
03
Arrange safe transportation.
04
Avoid alcohol, cannabis, and other intoxicants
Set a heartfelt intention.
Ask yourself: What do I hope to learn, release, or invite in? Write it down, draw it, or simply hold it in your heart. Your intention doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to feel true.
Tip: If you’re unsure, choose one word, like “clarity,” “peace,” or “healing”- to anchor your journey.
Nourish your body.
Drink plenty of water and eat balanced, nourishing meals that feel good for you. Your body is the vessel for this journey; treat it with care.
Arrange safe transportation.
Ketamine can make it unsafe to drive afterward. Ask a trusted friend, loved one, or rideshare to take you home. This is part of protecting the space you’ve created.
Avoid alcohol, cannabis, and other intoxicants
for at least 24 hours before your session. Certain medications—like benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)—can reduce ketamine’s effectiveness. If you’re unsure about your medications, email us at medicalteam@daydreammd.com.
Want to know more about safety? Read our Ketamine Therapy Safety Overview.
Ketamine Journey Video Guides
These two short videos walk you through simple grounding practices and practical tips, helping you feel calm, confident, and fully prepared for your ketamine journey.
Step 2: The Day of Your Session – Arrive with Openness
Think of this day as a doorway, you’re stepping through into a space made for you to heal and grow.
Follow food and drink guidelines:
An adjustment disorder is a mental health condition where an individual experiences an excessive emotional or behavioral reaction to a specific stressful life event or change. For example, divorce, work conflict, moving, getting married, having a baby, losing a job, death, illness, natural disaster, being a victim of a crime, and more.- First session: Avoid solid food for 3 hours before; no liquids for 1 hour before.
- Returning clients: If your first session went well, you can have light food up to 3 hours before, and water up to 45 minutes before.
Wear soft, comfortable clothing.
If receiving an IM injection, choose something that allows easy shoulder access (like a tank top or loose short-sleeved shirt).
Bring grounding items.
A blanket, pillow, small keepsake, or anything that helps you feel safe and at ease can make a big difference.
Take a few slow breaths before you arrive
Close your eyes. Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Let your body know: It’s safe to relax.
Step 3: After Your Session – Gentle Integration
Your journey doesn’t end when the medicine wears off. In many ways, it’s just beginning.
Create a soft landing.
Give yourself space to rest afterward—clear your schedule if possible. Avoid rushing back into the noise of daily life.
Capture your insights.
Journal, draw, or voice-record any impressions, images, or feelings that arose. Even small details can be profound when reflected upon later.
Connect with your support system.
Share your experience with a trusted friend or your integration coach. Talking it through helps ground your insights.
Be gentle with yourself.
You may feel tired, tender, or deeply inspired. All of it is normal. Allow the experience to unfold over the next few days.
Your Quick-Prep Checklist
Timeframe : Supportive Action
Day Before : Set an intention, hydrate, arrange a ride, avoid intoxicants
Day Of : Follow food/water guidelines, wear comfortable clothes, and bring comfort items
After : Rest, reflect, and connect with your integration support
Your Next Steps
- Choose your intention—write it down today.
- Confirm your ride—ask a friend or book your transport now.
- Gather your comfort items—place them in a small bag so they’re ready.
- Set aside time after your session—give yourself the gift of space.
Remember: This is your journey. We’re here to keep you safe, grounded, and supported so you can focus fully on your healing. Whether you’re seeking clarity, release, or renewal, trust that what unfolds is exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Preparation
How should I prepare for my first ketamine therapy session?
Set a clear intention, stay hydrated, eat lightly, avoid alcohol or intoxicants for 24 hours, and arrange a safe ride home. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any personal comfort items.
Can I eat or drink before my ketamine session?
For your first session, avoid solid food for 3 hours and liquids for 1 hour before your appointment. Returning clients who tolerated previous sessions well may have light food up to 3 hours before and water up to 90 minutes before.
Why do I need to avoid alcohol, cannabis, and certain medications?
These substances can reduce the therapeutic effects of ketamine and may interfere with your safety during treatment. If you have concerns about your medications, contact medicalteam@daydreammd.com.
What should I bring with me?
Bring grounding items like a small pillow, blanket, or keepsake. You may also want a journal to capture insights after your session
What can I expect after my ketamine treatment?
You may feel tired, reflective, or emotionally open. Plan for rest and avoid demanding activities for the remainder of the day. Journaling and speaking with an integration coach can help anchor your experience.
Start Your Healing with Ketamine Therapy
Find relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain with expert-led ketamine therapy at Daydream MD.
