CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is a difficult undertaking, but ketamine infusions offer transformative results. Desert Sands Ketamine Treatment Center in St. George stands at the forefront of this cutting-edge therapy.

Ketamine lays the foundation to reshape detrimental thought and behavior patterns stemming from trauma. Offering lasting results with virtually no side effects, Desert Sands Ketamine owner Dr. Eric Evans proclaims it a “wonder drug” for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders. 

“Ketamine has been nothing short of miraculous for a lot of people in our clinic,” he added. “People can wake up in the morning and joy is a possibility for them again.”

Uncovering trauma

Trauma is a common thread among ketamine patients. Whether experienced during childhood or as an adult, it negatively impacts mental health, relationships and a person’s ability to manage stress. Unresolved trauma often manifests itself as depression and/or anxiety. 

PTSD can result from emotional, physical or sexual abuse, turbulent family relationships, loss of a loved one, addiction and many other damaging experiences. By targeting the area of the brain that helps regulate moods and emotions, ketamine assists with working through the mental blockages that often surround traumatic memories. In many cases, counseling becomes more effective as patients can discuss painful emotions with greater clarity. 

“Ketamine can really help open a patient’s mind to be more receptive, helping them change their way of thinking about a particular topic,” Evans said. “It’s very difficult to get outside of ourselves and be open to new suggestions and looking at issues in a different way, and that’s what this therapy is really great at.”

Experience the Desert Sands difference

Patients shouldn’t trust just any ketamine provider with their therapy. Desert Sands Ketamine is a physician-driven practice recognized as the Best of Southern Utah in 2021, winning gold in alternative therapies as well as silver in the behavioral/mental health treatment category.

The clinic offers a spa-like, comfortable healing environment with compassionate staff who are dedicated to helping patients achieve the best results possible. As a native of the St. George area, Evans said his desire to improve mental health in the community truly comes from his heart.

“There’s a huge need in Southern Utah,” he added. “I just want to help as many people as I can.”

Support for first responders

PTSD is commonly associated with service in the military and combat. However, first responders including police officers also bear witness to violence, death and other traumatic experiences in the line of duty. This can lead to burnout and feelings of depression and anxiety. 

“We’ve seen police officers that have really struggled with anxiety, and carrying a gun while on anti-anxiety medication isn’t a good idea,” Evans said. “You’ve got to have a clear head when dealing with the public.” 

Evans and his team recently gave a presentation to a local law enforcement agency on the benefits of ketamine. For the first responders already seeking treatment at Desert Sands Ketamine, he has observed that infusion therapy helps restore a sense of calm while on duty as well as improving their sleep, relationships and baseline mood in everyday life. 

Real patients, life-changing results

Evans and his caring staff help patients like Tami B., who spent decades searching for an answer to her depression, discover a new outlook on life. Although medication kept her from hitting rock bottom, everyday tasks remained a struggle, and she never felt a sense of balance. 

“Ketamine changed that,” she said. “I don’t have to fight to put one foot in front of the other anymore. I don’t find myself trapped in the depths of major lows anymore, and anxiety has released me from its clutches.” 

For people living with chronic pain and treatment-resistant mood disorders, ketamine represents hope and healing. Desert Sands Ketamine also provides resources for improving all aspects of well-being, including dietary guidance, meditation, massage therapy, relationship counseling and talk therapy. 

The patient experience always begins with a free consultation to discuss their issues and determine if ketamine is right for them. Infusions are tailored to suit each person’s needs for maximum success.

“Every person has such a unique story and set of issues that they’re dealing with,” Evans said. “We try to use a complete approach to each patient.”

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit the Desert Sands Ketamine Treatment Center website or call 435-522-5190.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

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Resources

• Desert Sands Ketamine Treatment Center | Address: 346 E. 600 South, St. George | Telephone: 435-522-5190 | Email: [email protected] | Website.

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