Adding ketamine psychedelic therapy (KPT) to standard alcoholism treatment substantially improved long-term abstinence rates. In a controlled clinical trial, 65.8% of alcoholic patients (73 out of 111) who received KPT remained totally abstinent for more than one year, compared to 24% (24 out of 100) in the conventional treatment control group. Psychological changes included harmonization of personality profiles on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, positive shifts in unconscious self-concept and emotional attitudes, and increased spiritual development, all favoring a sober lifestyle. Biochemical evidence indicated KPT affects monoaminergic and opioidergic neurotransmitter systems involved in alcohol dependence. EEG analysis showed increased theta activity in cerebrocortical regions, suggesting reinforced limbic-cortex interaction during sessions.
People with heroin dependence who received three sessions of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KPT) were more likely to remain abstinent at one-year follow-up than those who received only one session. In a randomized trial, 59 detoxified inpatients first received a KPT session before discharge, then were assigned to either two additional monthly KPT sessions plus counseling or two monthly counseling sessions alone. At one year, 50% (13 of 26) of the multiple-session group stayed abstinent, compared to 22.2% (6 of 27) of the single-session group. No differences emerged between groups in depression, anxiety, craving for heroin, or understanding of life meaning. Three KPT sessions appear more effective than one for promoting abstinence.