Online Ketamine Treatment Available in: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NY, OR, TX, and WA.
Online Ketamine Treatment Available in: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NY, OR, TX, and WA.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects approximately 29.5 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. Despite available treatments including medications like naltrexone and acamprosate, behavioral therapies, and peer support programs, relapse rates remain high. Emerging research suggests that ketamine, particularly when combined with psychological therapy, may offer a novel approach to reducing alcohol consumption and supporting long-term recovery.
A landmark randomized controlled trial by Grabski et al. (2022), published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, studied 96 participants with severe AUD and found that those who received ketamine combined with psychotherapy had significantly higher abstinence rates at 6-month follow-up compared to those who received placebo with psychotherapy. The ketamine group was 2.7 times more likely to be completely abstinent at the end of the study period. An earlier study by Das et al. (2019), published in Nature Communications, demonstrated that ketamine could weaken alcohol-related memories when combined with a memory reactivation procedure, leading to a significant reduction in drinking days over a 9-month follow-up.
While these results are encouraging, research on ketamine for AUD is still in relatively early stages. Larger, multi-site trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal treatment protocols. Ketamine is not FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and is used off-label. Importantly, ketamine therapy for AUD should be part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes psychological support and, where appropriate, coordination with addiction specialists.
1. Thorough evaluation
A 60-minute telehealth consultation with a physician. We assess your alcohol use history, current recovery status, co-occurring conditions, and overall suitability for ketamine therapy. Honest disclosure of substance use history is essential for safe treatment.
2. Integrated treatment plan
If ketamine therapy is appropriate, your physician creates a treatment plan that considers your recovery goals and coordinates with your existing support network, including therapists or addiction counselors.
3. Monitored progress
Your physician provides close follow-up to track your response, monitor for any concerns related to substance use, and adjust your treatment as needed to support your recovery journey.
Preliminary research suggests that ketamine, particularly when combined with psychotherapy, may help reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in people with alcohol use disorder. A notable clinical trial showed that ketamine-assisted therapy led to significantly higher abstinence rates compared to placebo. However, this research is still emerging, and ketamine is not FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder.
Researchers believe ketamine may help with alcohol use disorder through multiple mechanisms: it may disrupt maladaptive reward memories associated with alcohol, promote neuroplasticity that supports new behavioral patterns, and address co-occurring depression that often drives alcohol use. Some studies have also explored ketamine's ability to interfere with the reconsolidation of alcohol-related memories.
No. Ketamine is FDA-approved only as an anesthetic. Its use for alcohol use disorder is off-label and based on emerging clinical research. Treatment should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed physician who can evaluate your specific situation, including your alcohol use history and any co-occurring conditions.
Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance with potential for misuse, which requires careful evaluation in patients with substance use histories. Your physician will thoroughly assess your substance use history, current recovery status, and risk factors before determining if ketamine therapy is appropriate. When prescribed and monitored by a physician, the risk of misuse can be managed, but this requires honest communication and close clinical oversight.
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