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Ketamine in the Workplace: A New Wellness Trend or a Safety Concern?


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As mental health awareness grows, some companies are exploring unconventional therapies to support employee well-being. One such trend is the use of ketamine-assisted therapy, which is gaining traction in clinical settings—and, more recently, in corporate wellness programs.


While intended to help employees manage anxiety, depression, and burnout, ketamine’s presence in the workplace raises serious questions about safety, supervision, and liability.


Ketamine’s Therapeutic Promise Comes with Risks

Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being administered in low doses under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, depression, and chronic stress. However, its psychoactive and dissociative effects can cause:


  • Dizziness

  • Drowsiness

  • Visual or auditory distortions

  • Slowed reaction time

  • Impaired judgment


For any workplace—especially those with safety-sensitive roles—these side effects pose real risks.

Would you want someone operating machinery, driving, or making critical decisions under those conditions?

What Should Employers Do?

At Mid-South Drug Testing, we emphasize prevention through policy, training, and testing. Employers must take proactive steps to protect both workers and operations:

  1. Establish and enforce a clear workplace drug and alcohol policy.

  2. Train supervisors on how to recognize signs of impairment (reasonable suspicion).

  3. Implement a testing program that includes:


  • Random testing

  • Post-accident testing

  • For Cause (reasonable suspicion)


Your workplace policy should state whether any presence of ketamine or other controlled substances is prohibited during work hours or on company premises.


Can Ketamine Be Detected in Drug Tests?

Absolutely. MSDT offers ketamine-specific testing as part of our comprehensive screening solutions. We provide:


  • SAFElife Ketamine Urine Test Panels for fast results

  • Customizable multi-panel drug tests that include ketamine and other emerging substances

  • On-site and mobile testing, available 24/7


These tests are shelf-stable, reliable, and especially critical in post-incident or suspicion-based testing scenarios.


Let’s Talk About Your Policy


Ketamine may be evolving as a therapeutic option, but in the workplace, safety must come first. Let us help you build or update your testing program to reflect today’s changing landscape.


📍 Memphis & Paragould

📞 (901) 320-9295 | (870) 215-0025

 
 
 

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