Exeter University Trial Using Ketamine To Break Alcohol Addiction

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Breakthrough in Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Introduction

Ketamine, an anesthetic commonly used in surgeries, has emerged as a potential breakthrough in treating alcohol addiction. A recent £25 million trial at the University of Exeter aims to investigate the effectiveness of combining ketamine with talking therapies in reducing alcohol consumption and cravings.

Understanding the Trial

The KARE (Ketamine for Reduction of Alcoholic Relapse) trial is a phase III clinical trial involving 280 participants with severe alcohol use disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive ketamine-assisted therapy or a placebo. The primary outcome of the trial is time to relapse, defined as seven consecutive days of heavy drinking.

Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Research suggests that ketamine may offer several benefits in treating alcohol addiction:

• Reduced cravings: Ketamine has been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
• Enhanced therapy response: Ketamine may enhance the effectiveness of talking therapies, making them more impactful in addressing the underlying causes of addiction.
• Reduced relapse rates: Early findings from phase II trials indicate that ketamine-assisted therapy may help reduce relapse rates and extend periods of abstinence.

Implications for Addiction Treatment

If the KARE trial proves successful, it could significantly impact the treatment landscape for alcohol addiction. Ketamine-assisted therapy has the potential to:

• Provide a more effective treatment option for individuals with severe alcohol use disorder.
• Reduce the number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits related to alcohol misuse.
• Improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
• Decrease the societal burden of alcohol-related problems.

Conclusion

The KARE trial is a promising step forward in the search for effective treatments for alcohol addiction. If successful, ketamine-assisted therapy could revolutionize the way we approach this devastating disorder. Researchers continue to explore the potential of ketamine and other novel therapies to provide hope and recovery for individuals struggling with addiction.