Recent research indicates that ketamine, especially when combined with psychological therapy, shows promise as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD):
Effectiveness: Multiple studies and systematic reviews have found that ketamine, particularly when paired with psychotherapy or relapse prevention-based therapy, can help people with AUD achieve longer periods of abstinence, reduce cravings, and decrease the likelihood of relapse compared to standard treatments or placebo. 2,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
Combination with Therapy: The combination of ketamine and psychological therapy appears especially effective. For example, a study from the University of Exeter found that individuals receiving both ketamine and therapy stayed sober for 162 out of 180 days (about 87% of the time) over six months-more than 2.5 times the abstinence rate of those who received placebo. 5, 6, 7.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects: In a Columbia University study, 82% of participants who received a single ketamine infusion plus therapy remained abstinent for three weeks, compared to 65% in the control group. The ketamine group also took longer to relapse and had fewer heavy drinking days 4, 5.
Mechanism: Ketamine may help by disrupting maladaptive reward memories linked to alcohol, making individuals more receptive to therapy and less likely to relapse. 8, 9. It also has rapid antidepressant effects, which may address underlying mood issues that contribute to alcohol misuse 7.
Safety and Considerations
Safety: Studies so far report that ketamine, when administered in controlled, low doses and combined with therapy, is generally well tolerated and not associated with significant adverse effects or misuse in clinical settings. 4, 10.
Research Status: While results are encouraging, most experts agree that more large-scale, robust clinical trials are needed to confirm ketamine’s efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and establish long-term safety profiles. 2, 5, 6, 7.
Current Trials and Future Directions
Ongoing large-scale trials, such as the MORE-KARE study in the UK, are further investigating ketamine-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder, with hopes of integrating this approach into mainstream treatment if proven effective. 7.
Conclusion
Ketamine, particularly when combined with psychological therapy, shows significant potential as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. It appears to help people stay sober longer, reduce cravings, and lower relapse rates compared to standard treatments. However, while the early evidence is promising, ketamine is not yet a first-line treatment for alcohol addiction, and further research is required before it becomes widely adopted. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
Anyone considering ketamine therapy for alcohol addiction should consult with a healthcare professional experienced in addiction medicine.
