Self-reported changes and experiences with substance use among real-world patients treated with medical ketamine.
Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology July 24, 2025 Shahar Almog, Maribel Rodriguez Perez, Deepthi S Varma et al.
In a survey of 201 patients receiving medical ketamine for psychiatric or pain conditions, most reported either a positive change (54.7%) or no change (44.3%) in their use of other substances. Those with a past history of problematic substance use showed significantly greater reductions than those with present or no such history. Patients described reduced craving, less need to self-medicate, and increased motivation to quit substances. Ketamine did not appear to induce or increase drug use among those with minimal or no prior use, though some reported risky behaviors such as using other psychedelics or substituting alcohol with recreational ketamine. Further research is needed to identify and protect at-risk patients.