Ketamine : Dreams and Realities (Paperback)

~ Karl Jansen (Author) "The human desire to alter consciousness through the use of psycho-active drugs is as old as recorded history..." (more)
Key Phrases: ketamine dependence, ketamine experiences, ketamine journeys, United States, John Lilly, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a goldmine of information on this fascinating substance that combines...the properties of an anesthetic and a psychedelic." -- Stan Grof, M.D., author of Psychology of the Future: Lessons From Modern Consciousness Research and LSD Psychotherapy

"Indispensable reading for those with any interest in Ketamine. Entertaining, thought-provoking and thorough." -- Rick Strassman, M.D., author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutinary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences

Product Description

Ketamine: Dreams and Realities is a non-biased and comprehensive overview of the drug ketamine. It covers everything from its recreational use in the dance community, its use as an adjunct to psychotherapy as an aid in overcoming chemical dependency and alcoholism, to the types of mystical experiences induced by ketamine. This book includes information on the possible benfits and dangers of ketamine use along with an authoratative treatment plan for individuals who become addicted to the drug. It is wealth of information for both laypersons and medical professionals alike.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Stud (February 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0966001931
• ISBN-13: 978-0966001938
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,372,321 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unparalleled work on Ketamine, May 17, 2001

By	"einarwelby" (Gainesville, FL United States) - See all my reviews

Dr. Jansen is undoubtedly the world's leading authority on Ketamine, its history, applications, benefits, and risks. Ketamine: Dreams and Realities contains over 300 pages of invaluable information on this remarkable substance deemed both an anesthetic and psychedelic. It addresses everything you've wondered about this amazing chemical from physiologic descriptions to existential inference. His objective accounts are thorough and insightful as well as extremely logical and convincing. There are literally hundreds of references that are well worth the cost of the book alone, not to mention all of the valuable information contained within. His style entrances you like a powerful book should, and takes you on an intuitive and multisided journey through the history, use, misuse, and future of the drug. Unique and rare information is included to both support his assertions and entertain the reader. Most notably he relates the effects of Ketamine to the near-death/near-birth experience, the quantum mind, and the metaphorical mental modem. Having coined the term "Quantum Psychiatry" Dr. Jansen explains how the Newtonian model of the universe is being reassessed in light of the evolving understanding of modern and quantum physics. Never before have I read such a comprehensible and clearly written work on this topic. I strongly recommend this book to both the professional and layperson wanting to know specifically about this amazing psychedelic or the nature of our existence. It is extremely well written and thoroughly documented. Having donated 100% of the profits from the sale of this book to ketamine psychotherapy research Dr. Jansen demonstrates his passion for his work and undoubtedly will go down in history amongst such spiritual pioneers such as Aldus Huxley, Stanislav Grof, and Albert Hoffman to name a few.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars K-doubt?, February 19, 2001

By	dave luke (UK) - See all my reviews

Extensive and excellent, this book takes you on a voyage into the myriad facets of this profoundly mysterious substance. Intimately researched and vigilantly referenced, Jansen plots an enlightening course through the history of ketamine from its creation and use to the near-death/near-birth experience, the quantum mind, and the search for the holy-grail. A balanced account that offers both sides of the reality of ketamine use; personally, mystically, medically, and socially. Accessible, entertaining and scholarly this book is an essential read for all those interested in this modern compound, from psychiatrists, scientists, and psychonauts to researchers, shamanarchists, and therapists.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Poetic Teacher, July 8, 2001

By	Loretta Brooks (South San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

A Course in Miracles says, "It would indeed be strange if you were asked to go beyond all the symbols of the world, forgetting them forever, yet were asked to take a teaching function...then step back to darkness, not because you think it real, but only to proclaim its unreality."..This author, Karl Jansen, knows not only the symbols of the world of experience on this subject, but has gone beyond them sufficiently to be a teacher of not the positive but negative aspects of this strong and effective yet by most comparisons benign medicinal drug. In his clear imparting of such a rare tale, taking on this subject in all its dimensions which had previously been mostly distorted and maligned by the media, Dr. Jansen's underlying wit, humor and gentleness shines clearly throughout its well- written and easy to read pages. Although I found all the book interesting, he has devoted one chapter to the means one might employ if letting go of the use of drugs of any kind. Although I had heard most all this information presented before, I found this chapter particularly helpful in terms of general mental and physical health. Though this is a technical subject matter, I found this to be an easy to read yet complete work on what in terms of experience could be considered to be a somewhat obscure and multidimensional subject, a must-read for anyone who is in any way familiar with it.