Ketamine Therapy in Patients of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Prospective Pilot Study to Evaluate Abstinence Rate with This Add-on Treatment Modality
Nidhi Purushottum Marvania, Anto Leroy Rayan, Dhruti Vijaykumar Merchant, Drashti Paragkumar Shah, Prakash Ishwarlal Mehta, Fenil Dineshkumar Modh
Annals of Indian Psychiatry September 3, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.4103/aip.aip_110_24 via DOAJ
Summary
Ketamine therapy significantly increased confidence levels in abstaining from alcohol among individuals with alcohol use disorder, with a 51.98% increase in mean confidence scores after three sessions. Eighteen patients received intravenous ketamine after detoxification, and although the results were positive, the effects may diminish over time, indicating a need for ongoing support.
Study at a glance
| Design | preprint |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | patients with alcohol use disorder |
| Key finding | Ketamine therapy significantly increased confidence levels to abstain from alcohol, with a 51.98% increase in mean confidence scores after treatment. |
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are emerging as a substance use disorder having various psychological and physical ill effects leading to hampering of individual’s productivity and functioning. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ketamine in enhancing confidence levels to abstain from alcohol. Methods: Eighteen patients were administered ketamine intravenously after detoxification; a total of three doses, with a 3-day gap between each. The Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure their confidence in abstaining from alcohol. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in mean confidence scores after three ketamine sessions, with a final assessment showing a 51.98% increase in confidence from baseline. Conclusions: The study found that ketamine therapy significantly increased confidence levels in individuals with AUD to abstain from alcohol, with P = 0.05 threshold. However, the impact may wane over time, suggesting the need for additional support or maintenance treatments.