Therapeutic infusions of ketamine: Do the psychoactive effects matter?
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.