Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Addiction: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Clinical Implications
April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.63721/25jpir0106 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy |
| Topics | Addiction Ketamine Esketamine Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist |
| Key findings | Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a promising intervention for treatment-resistant addiction. |
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are notoriously difficult to treat due to complex biopsychosocial underpinnings and high relapse rates. Recent evidence positions ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as a promising intervention for treatment-resistant addiction. This review explores ketamine’s neurobiological mechanisms, its synergistic effect with psychotherapy, and clinical data supporting its efficacy in various substance use disorders. Additionally, it addresses safety concerns and outlines practical considerations for integration into clinical practice.