Ketamine in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Narrative Review.
Anna Famuła, Jakub Radoszewski, Tomasz Czerwiec, Jarosław Sobiś, Gniewko Więckiewicz
Alpha psychiatry March 1, 2024 DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.241522 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ketamine Psychedelic-assisted therapy Addiction Esketamine |
| Keywords | Alcohol dependence Addiction treatment Substance abuse recovery Ketamine therapy |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key findings | Ketamine shows promise as a treatment for substance use disorder, but more research is needed to understand its mechanisms and optimize therapeutic use. |
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative and effective therapeutic interventions. Ketamine, traditionally recognized for its anesthetic properties, has emerged as a novel and promising avenue for the treatment of SUD. This narrative review critically examines the current body of literature surrounding the use of ketamine in various forms and settings for individuals grappling with substance abuse. The review explores the neurobiological underpinnings of ketamine's potential therapeutic effects in SUD, shedding light on its impact on glutamatergic neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and reward pathways. Special attention is given to the psychotropic and dissociative properties of ketamine, exploring their implications for both therapeutic outcomes and patient experience. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding ketamine's role in the treatment of SUD, emphasizing the need for further research and clinical exploration. As we navigate the complex terrain of addiction medicine, understanding the nuances of ketamine's potential in SUD holds promise for the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- The Role of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Brain Sciences September 28, 2025
- Associations between substance use treatment and ketamine use: A hypothesis-generating analysis. Addictive Behaviors Reports June 1, 2026
- Unfolding States of Mind: A Dissociative-Psychedelic Model of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Palliative Care. Healthcare October 27, 2025
- Attitudes and Perceptions of Portuguese Psychiatrists and Psychologists on the Clinical Use of Ketamine. Acta Médica Portuguesa May 2, 2025
- Treating addiction with an addictive drug: the ketamine paradox revisited Frontiers in Psychiatry July 9, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 27
- A Randomized Trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression Archives of General Psychiatry August 1, 2006
- mTOR-Dependent Synapse Formation Underlies the Rapid Antidepressant Effects of NMDA Antagonists Science August 19, 2010
- NMDAR inhibition-independent antidepressant actions of ketamine metabolites Nature April 24, 2016
- Ketamine use: a review Addiction July 21, 2011
- Rapid Resolution of Suicidal Ideation After a Single Infusion of anN-Methyl-D-Aspartate Antagonist in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry July 13, 2010
and 22 more in the library