Mystical-type experiences occasioned by ketamine mediate its impact on at-risk drinking: Results from a randomized, controlled trial.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) February 1, 2021 Rebecca L Rothberg, Nour Azhari, Nancy A Haug et al. 95 citations
In alcohol-dependent adults seeking treatment, a single sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine combined with motivational enhancement therapy produced greater mystical-type experiences and reduced at-risk drinking compared to an active control (midazolam). The mystical-type effects, measured by the Hood Mysticism Scale, mediated ketamine's effect on drinking behavior, whereas dissociation did not. Forty participants were randomized and followed for three weeks post-infusion. The findings suggest that the mystical-type psychoactive effects of ketamine may be important for its therapeutic benefit in addiction treatment.