Intensive ketamine use for multiple years: A case report
James X. Liu, Erin Zerbo, Stephen Ross
American Journal on Addictions October 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1002/ajad.12153.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient with bipolar I disorder and history of substance dependence |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Dose | 1–3 g daily |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Topics | Addiction Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Antidepressant Cognition Drug Bipolar disorder Mood disorders |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Daily use of large doses of ketamine over 5 years produced acute antidepressant effects and diminished alcohol cravings without withdrawal or cognitive deficits upon cessation. |
Abstract
Ketamine is known within the medical field for its anesthetic properties, yet its unique psychedelic and antidepressant properties are being increasingly recognized. We document the case of a patient with bipolar I disorder and an extensive history of substance dependence who used large doses of ketamine (1–3 g) on a daily basis over a period of 5 years, and described acute antidepressant effects as well as diminished cravings for alcohol. While his use was untenable and ultimately led to an inpatient admission, it is notable that he did not experience a withdrawal syndrome nor did he have any observable cognitive deficits upon cessation of use. Such a unique drug profile suggests that further exploration of its risks and therapeutic potential in treating mood and addiction disorders is warranted. (Am J Addict 2015;24:7–9)
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine Dependence in an Anesthesiologist: An Occupational Hazard? Anesthesiologist from India | 2014 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Qualitative analysis of a patient's experience of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for substance use disorder: Empirical synergies with twelve-step programs 28-year-old female treated for alcohol and opioid use disorder | 2025 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Intravenous ketamine for severe alcohol use disorder at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya: a case report A 39-year-old African male with severe alcohol use disorder, comorbid tobacco use... | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Grayken lessons: a multidisciplinary approach to care for a patient with severe ketamine use disorder. Young woman with severe ketamine use disorder and PTSD | 2026 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Abdominal Pain and Dysuria Secondary to Chronic Recreational Ketamine Use: A Case Report on K-cramps. 25-year-old woman with chronic high-dose ketamine use | 2025 | Case report | n = 1 |