This unregistered trial (n=70) was a double-blind, dose-comparison randomised controlled trial of high-dose versus low-dose ketamine combined with psychotherapy for heroin addiction in detoxified inpatients, which demonstrated significantly greater long-term abstinence and reduced craving in the high-dose group.
This synthetic trial has been added to our database because a psychedelic paper (about a clinical trial) references this trial, but no (live) registration can be found.
The study evaluated the efficacy of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for heroin addiction by comparing a hallucinogenic dose (2.0 mg/kg IM) against a sub-psychedelic, active placebo dose (0.2 mg/kg IM). Both groups received existentially oriented psychotherapy, including preparation, the ketamine session, and post-session integration to help patients apply insights to daily life.
Results from a two-year follow-up indicated that the high-dose group achieved significantly higher rates of abstinence and a more substantial, longer-lasting reduction in heroin cravings compared to the low-dose group. Additionally, the high-dose intervention was associated with greater positive changes in nonverbal unconscious emotional attitudes.
Existentially oriented psychotherapy in combination with a hallucinogenic (psychedelic) dose of ketamine.
Combined with existentially oriented psychotherapy
Existentially oriented psychotherapy in combination with a low, non-hallucinogenic (non-psychedelic) dose of ketamine, acting as an active placebo.
Combined with existentially oriented psychotherapy; described as an active placebo condition