Ketamine Therapy for Alcoholism

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), affects millions of people worldwide. It can devastate physical health, relationships, and a persons overall quality of life. While traditional treatments such as therapy, support groups, and medication have helped many, relapse rates remain high. In recent years, a new and promising approach has emerged: ketamine-assisted therapy.

Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is gaining attention for its transformative effects on mood, cognition, and addiction. When used in a controlled, therapeutic setting, ketamine may help those struggling with alcoholism break free from the cycle of addiction and find long term recovery.

Keep reading to learn more about ketamine therapy for alcoholism.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. What is ketamine?
2. How can ketamine help with alcoholism?
3. The future of ketamine therapy

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been used in medical settings since the 1960s. After its medicinal properties were discovered, it also became a popular recreational drug.

In lower, controlled doses, ketamine produces antidepressant effects and can alter thought patterns and emotional processing. These properties have made it a powerful tool in the treatment of depression, PTSD, and more recently, substance use disorders.

Ketamine therapy typically involves a series of sessions where the drug is administered under the supervision of a trained professional. When combined with psychotherapy, it can help patients access difficult emotions, reframe traumatic memories, and build motivation for lasting behavioral changes.

What is Alcoholism?

According to the DSM-5, alcohol use disorder is “a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress”. It involves a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, often leading to heavy tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. People with alcoholism may continue drinking even when it harms their health, relationships, work, or other responsibilities. The causes of alcoholism are complex and can include genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors. Over time, heavy alcohol use can alter brain chemistry, reinforcing cravings and compulsive behavior.

On the website for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 28.9 million people reported alcohol use disorder in 2023.

How Can Ketamine Help With Alcoholism?

While studies are still ongoing in regards to ketamine and alcoholism, researchers are hopeful.

According to the founder of UK rehab center Delamere, “Ketamine at the right levels, alongside therapy, can act as an antidepressant and help block out pain or depressive feelings that come with alcohol dependency. One reason the combination of the two factors might work well together while treating alcohol dependency is that at low to moderate doses, ketamine can change our thought patterns or block the restabilization of memories that users associate as a trigger for relapse.”

A ketamine therapy session often leads to a temporary shift in consciousness, sometimes described as an “emotional reset.” During this state, patients may gain new perspectives on their behavior and relationships, access buried emotions, and reconnect with a sense of purpose. Ketamine may interrupt harmful patterns by altering how the brain responds to alcohol related cues and breaking the habitual nature of drinking.

The Future of Ketamine Therapy

So, what does the future look like in regards to ketamine therapy for alcoholism? To put it simply, it’s nothing short of bright. The sky is the limit.

As a society, we are currently experiencing a paradigm shift in how we approach addiction and mental health disorders. The taboo blanket is being lifted from psychedelic drugs, allowing us to learn more and more about their amazing healing properties. Current studies are taking place all over the world to further study ketamine and its ability to help those suffering from alcoholism.

Final Thoughts on Ketamine Therapy for Alcoholism

Ketamine has shown to be way more than just a “party drug”. Amazing transformations have occurred for those suffering from depression, PTSD, anxiety, and even addiction.

For some, ketamine can be the catalyst that reignites hope, breaks through harmful thought patterns, and supports a deeper healing. As the research continues, the hope is only growing. For individuals caught in the grip of alcoholism, this emerging therapy offers not just symptom relief, but the possibility of true a transformation.

If you are struggling with alcoholism and the multifaceted affects that come with it, please reach out to us today!