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.
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.