Alcohol use disorders remain a significant public health problem. The pharmacological facilitation of behavioral treatment represents a promising strategy for addressing disordered drinking. Alcohol use disorders are recognized to be associated with various vulnerabilities that complicate the course of treatment and that may be amenable to glutamate modulators. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial is to test various glutamate modulators in conjunction with motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for alcohol use disorders.
52-minute intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.71 mg/kg) combined with motivational enhancement therapy.
Includes a 2-minute 0.11 mg/kg bolus in saline followed by a 50-minute slow-drip infusion of 0.6 mg/kg.
52-minute intravenous infusion of midazolam (0.025 mg/kg) combined with motivational enhancement therapy.
Includes a 2-minute saline bolus followed by a 50-minute slow-drip infusion.
In a randomised, controlled trial of 40 alcohol-dependent adults receiving ketamine or midazolam alongside motivational enhancement therapy, ketamine produced greater mystical-type experiences and reduced at-risk drinking. The mystical-type (but not dissociative) effects mediated ketamine’s impact on subsequent drinking behaviour.