Ketamine Being Tested to Treat Alcoholism

The United Kingdom’s NHS is proceeding with phase-three testing of whether ketamine-assisted therapy could help combat alcohol addiction. After a promising first two rounds of testing, researchers report that this testing “builds on a positive result” from earlier phases of the trial, called KARE - Ketamine for Reduction of Alcohol Relapse.

The lead trial professor, Celia Morgan of the University of Exeter, noted that alcohol-related deaths in the United Kingdom have doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, telling press that new treatments are needed "more urgently than ever."

Key results from previous phases of the KARE study showed that at their six-month follow-up, participants who had ketamine combined with therapy stayed 87% sober overall, making ketamine participants a whopping 2.5 times more likely to remain sober than those in the trial on placebo.

The new phase of the trial is being conducted among 280 people with “severe alcohol abuse,” with researchers planning to segment the groups with half given ketamine at the regular dose (with talk therapy), and the other half a minimal ketamine dose.

This study from England is not the first documenting the effective treatment ketamine infusion therapy can provide to combat addiction. One study conducted in 2018 at the Medical University of South Carolina suggested ketamine infusion therapy can reduce cravings to use various substances, not just alcohol.

Further, a 2019 report from Nature Communications states that ketamine can reduce severe drinking by essentially rewiring the brain. The process disrupts maladaptive reward memories (MRMs), which are commonly found in those with overconsumption or addiction issues, by targeting the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain.

Understanding Ketamine’s Role in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

The KARE study has gained international attention because it explores something groundbreaking: using ketamine not just to treat depression, but to reduce alcohol relapse and cravings. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains one of the most difficult conditions to treat, with relapse rates of 40–60% even after standard care. Traditional therapies—like medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs—help many, but there’s still a large group of people who struggle despite their best efforts.

This is where ketamine’s unique properties could make a difference.

The Science Behind It

Ketamine works primarily by acting on NMDA receptors, a type of glutamate receptor in the brain that plays a key role in learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. When administered in low doses, ketamine appears to “reset” certain neural pathways and enhance the brain’s ability to form new, healthy connections.

In people battling addiction, the brain’s reward circuitry becomes stuck in repetitive loops—linking stress, cues, or emotions directly to alcohol use. Ketamine may temporarily disrupt these rigid connections and allow psychotherapy to help the brain “relearn” healthier patterns.

What the Early Results Mean

The first two phases of the KARE study showed something unprecedented. Participants who received ketamine combined with talk therapy were far more likely to stay sober after six months—87% of them—compared to the placebo group. The implication is that ketamine isn’t acting alone; rather, it’s amplifying the impact of therapy during a window of enhanced brain plasticity.

By contrast, the current phase-three trial aims to confirm those findings at a larger scale and determine whether these effects can be replicated across different populations.

How Ketamine Affects Addiction Pathways

Rewiring Maladaptive Reward Memories

One of the most exciting discoveries is ketamine’s effect on maladaptive reward memories (MRMs). These are deeply ingrained associations between drinking and feelings of pleasure or relief. Every time someone with AUD reaches for a drink after stress, that memory pathway strengthens—making it harder to break free.

The 2019 Nature Communications study showed that ketamine can disrupt the reconsolidation of these harmful memories by acting on NMDA receptors. This means that when those memories are reactivated—say, during therapy or exposure exercises—ketamine may help weaken or “rewrite” them, reducing the urge to drink.

Enhancing Neuroplasticity

Ketamine triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule crucial for forming new synaptic connections. This process helps the brain become more adaptable, improving emotional regulation, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility. For people recovering from addiction, this “rewiring” may translate to stronger resilience against relapse triggers.

Reducing Cravings and Depression

Since many people with alcohol addiction also struggle with depression and anxiety, ketamine’s mood-stabilizing and antidepressant properties can indirectly support recovery. Studies suggest that even one or two infusions can quickly reduce depressive symptoms, which often co-occur with alcohol cravings and relapse risk.

The Promise and the Caution

Why These Findings Matter

If the KARE trial confirms ketamine’s benefits, it could revolutionize how we approach addiction treatment. Rather than focusing solely on abstinence and willpower, it introduces a neurobiological approach—using medication to open a window for meaningful psychological change.

For individuals who’ve relapsed despite therapy and medication, ketamine-assisted therapy could become a breakthrough tool to help them regain control of their lives.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Ketamine is safe when administered under professional supervision, but it’s not without side effects. Some individuals may experience mild dissociation, dizziness, or temporary increases in blood pressure during treatment. Long-term or unsupervised use, however, carries risks such as bladder inflammation or dependency—underscoring the importance of receiving it in a licensed clinical environment.

At Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers, all infusions are medically supervised, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the process.

Beyond Alcoholism:

While ketamine’s role in addiction treatment is still being studied, its mental health benefits are already well-documented. 

Other Uses of Ketamine Infusion Therapy:

• Depression: Rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression within hours or days.

• Anxiety Disorders: Reduction in generalized anxiety and social anxiety symptoms.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Evidence suggests ketamine can help reduce flashbacks and emotional distress.

• Suicidal Ideation: Several studies show ketamine significantly decreases suicidal thoughts, often within a single session.

These off-label uses are growing in clinical settings because ketamine works differently than standard antidepressants, often helping those who’ve tried multiple medications without success.

Inside the Phase-Three Trial

The current NHS-backed trial involves 280 participants with severe alcohol misuse, divided into two treatment groups:

1. Standard-dose ketamine with talk therapy

2. Minimal-dose ketamine with talk therapy

This design helps determine whether the results come from ketamine’s pharmacological effects or simply from the therapeutic context. Researchers will follow participants over time, measuring sobriety rates, reduction in drinking days, quality of life, and psychological well-being. If these results mirror earlier studies, we may see a new paradigm in treating substance use disorders—one that integrates neuroscience with compassionate psychotherapy.

What to Expect in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

For those considering this treatment, a typical journey might look like this:

1. Initial Assessment – Medical and psychological evaluation to ensure suitability.

2. Infusion Sessions – Low-dose ketamine infusions administered in a controlled setting.

3. Therapeutic Integration – After each session, patients meet with a therapist to process experiences, insights, and behavioral changes.

4. Follow-Up Care – Ongoing monitoring and optional booster infusions if needed.

Each step is designed to maximize both the neurological and psychological benefits of ketamine. If ketamine-assisted therapy proves to be effective against alcohol addiction, it may also hold promise for other substance dependencies—such as opioids or stimulants—where craving and relapse remain major challenges.

However, experts emphasize that ketamine is not a standalone cure. It works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes. As research continues, protocols will likely evolve to determine optimal dosages, frequency, and integration methods with therapy.

What else is ketamine infusion used for?

Ketamine infusions can improve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. While technically an off-label use for the anesthetic, when provided in a clinical setting under physician care, infusions are safe, legal, and generally produce little to mild side effects.

Conclusion

The KARE study represents a pivotal moment in addiction science—bridging neuroscience, psychiatry, and therapy to tackle one of society’s toughest health problems. By combining ketamine’s neuroplastic effects with evidence-based psychotherapy, researchers are rewriting the story of addiction recovery.

While results are still emerging, the message is clear: there is hope. With compassionate care, scientific innovation, and responsible medical practice, more people struggling with alcohol use disorder may find lasting relief.

If you’re interested in exploring ketamine infusion therapy in the DMV, contact Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers. Our highly-rated private practices have locations in Bethesda, Rockville, Columbia, Vienna, Reston, and Marshall, and our compassionate care team is ready to support the next step of your mental health journey. Contact us today.