top of page
Search

The Benefits of Genetic Testing Before Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy


Genetic testing is making its way into mainstream healthcare at an increased rate, and benefiting a much larger population. While it was previously idolized for its ability to detect abnormalities during pregnancies, genetic testing is now being offered for others to take advantage of - some even in the convenience of their own home.


Genetic testing is making its way into mainstream healthcare at an increased rate, and benefiting a much larger population. While it was previously idolized for its ability to detect abnormalities during pregnancies, genetic testing is now being offered for others to take advantage of - some even in the convenience of their own home. Genetic Testing Genetic testing became popular in the medical community around the 1950s. It was first used to identify the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in Down’s Syndrome. The continual study of DNA and chromosomes led to the discovery of genetic testing for concepts like genealogy research, assessing disease risk, or solving crimes. Thanks to continued medical advancements and ​​the Human Genome Project, individual-level genetic information can now be used to tailor and optimize prevention and treatment interventions - making psychedelic-assisted therapies a safer option for those interested. Using Genes To Predict Therapy Responses So how can genetic testing be used in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy? Ketamine Infusion therapy is not right for everyone. While it can be extremely beneficial for a number of medical needs, there can be negative side effects for some. By securing a genetic test from HaluGen, individuals are able to better understand how they would be affected by psychedelic-assisted therapies. HaluGen tests use pharmacogenomics - the study of the influence of the genome on an individual’s response to a drug, to predict how a certain individual will experience psychedelic-assisted therapies like Ketamine treatments. HaluGen Genetic Testing HaluGen’s genetic test evaluates 6 specific genetic markers that evaluate your serotonin markers, ketamine metabolism response, LSD, MDMA, and Ayahuasca metabolism response. Science has shown that there are a number of genetic variants that appear to influence the risk of addiction to specific substances and that these same genetic variants can influence how one may respond to various psychedelic-assisted therapies. Keep in mind, the presence of any of the 6 genetic markers does not prevent an individual from participating in psychedelic-assisted therapy. How a person metabolizes ketamine is influenced by the CYP2B6 gene. The CYP2B6 gene encodes a liver enzyme that helps metabolize ketamine in the bloodstream. Between 10–20% of people carry the CYP2B6*6 genetic variant. This gene variant slows down how someone metabolizes ketamine by 2-3x. You may still be able to consider ketamine use if the presence of the CYP2B6 gene is present, but you should discuss your test results with your provider so they can carefully consider lower doses, longer administration times, and additional support during your treatment to prevent adverse reactions. To further aid in your psychedelic journey, HaluGen also offers over 5000 hours of research and development to provide their customers with guides to psychedelic-assisted therapy clinics, retreats, mental health surveys, and additional education. Testing Privacy Concerns Previous scientific studies on the subject of genetic testing showed concerns regarding breaches in confidentiality and the possibility that discrimination may reduce testing willingness. Alarmingly, a large number of companies also allowed government agencies access to their databases for DNA identification, which made genetic testing privacy concerns a huge deal. HaluGen is bringing comfort to their customers by only making test results available to the individual tester! Test results are available online in a secure portal and are never shared without the knowledge or permission of the individual. If genetic testing is being sought for the purpose of participating in psychedelic-assisted therapy like IV Ketamine infusions, it is up to the individual tester to provide their results to the ketamine center. Customers receive their genetic testing results in 2 weeks of less from Halugen - securely online. Genetic testing is giving people a peace of mind to start on their psychedelic-assisted therapy journey. Aspen Ketamine Center has partnered with HaluGen and is happy to provide a discount code. Use our Halugen link to save 10% on your at home testing kit.

Genetic Testing


Genetic testing became popular in the medical community around the 1950s. It was first used to identify the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in Down’s Syndrome. The continual study of DNA and chromosomes led to the discovery of genetic testing for concepts like genealogy research, assessing disease risk, or solving crimes. Thanks to continued medical advancements and ​​the Human Genome Project, individual-level genetic information can now be used to tailor and optimize prevention and treatment interventions - making psychedelic-assisted therapies a safer option for those interested.


Using Genes To Predict Therapy Responses


So how can genetic testing be used in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy? Ketamine Infusion therapy is not right for everyone. While it can be extremely beneficial for a number of medical needs, there can be negative side effects for some. By securing a genetic test from HaluGen, individuals are able to better understand how they would be affected by psychedelic-assisted therapies. HaluGen tests use pharmacogenomics - the study of the influence of the genome on an individual’s response to a drug, to predict how a certain individual will experience psychedelic-assisted therapies like Ketamine treatments.


HaluGen Genetic Testing


HaluGen’s genetic test evaluates 6 specific genetic markers that evaluate your serotonin markers, ketamine metabolism response, LSD, MDMA, and Ayahuasca metabolism response. Science has shown that there are a number of genetic variants that appear to influence the risk of addiction to specific substances and that these same genetic variants can influence how one may respond to various psychedelic-assisted therapies. Keep in mind, the presence of any of the 6 genetic markers does not prevent an individual from participating in psychedelic-assisted therapy.


How a person metabolizes ketamine is influenced by the CYP2B6 gene. The CYP2B6 gene encodes a liver enzyme that helps metabolize ketamine in the bloodstream. Between 10–20% of people carry the CYP2B6*6 genetic variant. This gene variant slows down how someone metabolizes ketamine by 2-3x. You may still be able to consider ketamine use if the presence of the CYP2B6 gene is present, but you should discuss your test results with your provider so they can carefully consider lower doses, longer administration times, and additional support during your treatment to prevent adverse reactions. To further aid in your psychedelic journey, HaluGen also offers over 5000 hours of research and development to provide their customers with guides to psychedelic-assisted therapy clinics, retreats, mental health surveys, and additional education.



Testing Privacy Concerns


Previous scientific studies on the subject of genetic testing showed concerns regarding breaches in confidentiality and the possibility that discrimination may reduce testing willingness. Alarmingly, a large number of companies also allowed government agencies access to their databases for DNA identification, which made genetic testing privacy concerns a huge deal. HaluGen is bringing comfort to their customers by only making test results available to the individual tester! Test results are available online in a secure portal and are never shared without the knowledge or permission of the individual. If genetic testing is being sought for the purpose of participating in psychedelic-assisted therapy like IV Ketamine infusions, it is up to the individual tester to provide their results to the ketamine center.


Customers receive their genetic testing results in 2 weeks of less from Halugen - securely online. Genetic testing is giving people a peace of mind to start on their psychedelic-assisted therapy journey. Aspen Ketamine Center has partnered with HaluGen and is happy to provide a discount code. Use our Halugen link to save 10% on your at home testing kit.



51 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page