American Journal of Psychiatry
December 2, 2019
E. Dakwar, F. Levin, C. Hart et al.
179 citations
A single low-dose ketamine infusion, combined with motivational enhancement therapy, increased the likelihood of abstinence and reduced heavy drinking days in adults with alcohol dependence. In a pilot study, 40 participants received either ketamine or the active control midazolam. Ketamine delayed relapse and was well tolerated, with no dropouts due to adverse events. The results suggest a potential new approach integrating pharmacotherapy with behavioral treatment, though larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
American Journal of Psychiatry
June 24, 2019
E. Dakwar, E. Nunes, C. Hart et al.
179 citations
A single infusion of ketamine, combined with mindfulness-based relapse prevention, helped adults dependent on cocaine stay abstinent longer and reduce cravings. In a trial with 55 participants, 48.2% of those receiving ketamine maintained abstinence over the final two weeks, compared to 10.7% in the control group receiving midazolam. The ketamine group was 53% less likely to relapse or drop out, and their craving scores were 58.1% lower throughout the study. The infusions were well tolerated with no serious adverse events. The authors suggest these results are promising but need replication in a larger sample.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
January 15, 2014
E. Dakwar, C. Anerella, Carl L. Hart et al.
125 citations
In a small study of eight cocaine-dependent individuals, ketamine infusions produced mystical-type experiences that helped explain increased motivation to quit cocaine a day later. Participants received two doses of ketamine (0.41 mg/kg and 0.71 mg/kg) and a control drug lorazepam (2 mg) in random order. Ketamine, especially the higher dose, caused significantly stronger mystical-type effects than lorazepam. The intensity of those mystical effects, but not dissociative symptoms, predicted greater motivation to stop using cocaine 24 hours after infusion. The findings suggest that psychological experiences during ketamine treatment may contribute to its anti-addiction benefits, though larger studies are needed.