Major trial tests Ketamine-assisted therapy to break alcohol addiction
The University of Exeter conducted the largest ever trial of ketamine-assisted therapy for alcohol addiction, marking a significant development in ketamine treatment for alcoholism. With over half a million adults in the UK struggling with serious drinking problems, this pioneering research into ketamine therapy in the UK offers hope for those facing alcohol dependency. Early results from the ketamine assisted therapy trial show promising outcomes, with participants maintaining sobriety for extended periods.
This groundbreaking study examines ketamine alcohol addiction treatment across eight NHS sites throughout the UK, representing a major expansion of ketamine therapy UK research. If successful, ketamine therapy NHS availability could become reality within five years, potentially transforming addiction treatment services. While questions about ketamine therapy UK cost remain, the potential benefits of ketamine assisted therapy UK could significantly reduce the £3.5 billion annual burden of alcohol-related harm on healthcare services.
Ketamine infusions and therapy form largest ever UK alcohol relapse trial
Over half a million adults in the UK have a serious alcohol problem and three out of four who quit, begin drinking again after a year, according to Charity Alcohol Change.
The University of Exeter has said it is using a licensed form of the drug and early results showed it reduced drinking over a period of six months.
Participants randomly receive a different dose of ketamine infusion and psychological support sessions.
It is the largest ever trial of ketamine-assisted therapy for alcoholism, increasing testing from seven to eight NHS sites across the UK for phrase three.
Prof Celia Morgan is leading the trial and said the initial stages had found participants stayed away from alcohol for longer.
“We think that ketamine helps to catalyse the psychological therapy”, she said, “partly because of the unique subjective effects that you get from the drug.
“People find themselves having these quite weird experiences, often having out-of-body experiences, so they look at life from a different perspective, and that is very useful.”
‘Out-of-body experiences’
Anna Kelsey, assistant psychologist, said mindfulness therapy was a key part of the research.
Its pilot study found that ketamine had the potential to make some people more receptive – improving their engagement with therapy.
“It’s called neuroplasticity, so when you’re in that aspect you can take on a lot more change, you could be more welcome to new ideas [and] new thinking patterns,” she said.
Prof Morgan explained that the research was not swapping alcohol addiction for ketamine addiction.
“We’re giving the drug in only three isolated doses, surrounded by a therapy that’s designed to help people tackle their addiction, so we don’t feel that this is a significant risk.
“It’s something we’ll definitely be watching out for really carefully. We feel that the potential benefits of this treatment for people who are struggling with alcohol problems outweigh those risks.”
If the trial is a success, the university claim the treatment could be available on the NHS in five years. The government estimates the cost of alcohol-related harm to the NHS is around £3.5bn each year.
Looking ahead: the future of Ketamine-assisted therapy
This pioneering trial highlighted the potential of ketamine and alcoholism treatment, demonstrating promising results that could transform addiction care. The research into ketamine treatment for alcoholism showed participants maintained longer periods of sobriety, offering hope for the thousands struggling with alcohol dependency. As ketamine-assisted therapy moves closer to potential ketamine therapy NHS approval, questions about ketamine therapy UK cost and accessibility remain crucial considerations for widespread implementation.
The success of ketamine assisted therapy in this trial could revolutionise how we approach ketamine alcohol addiction treatment nationwide. If approved, ketamine therapy in the UK could offer a new lifeline for those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. The expansion of ketamine therapy UK research across multiple NHS sites demonstrates the commitment to making ketamine assisted therapy UK available to those who need it most, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs significantly.