April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of alcohol use disorders on individuals, families and communities. Founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), it aims to educate the public, reduce the stigma and promote resources for the prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences. Substance use disorders, including alcoholism, are complex conditions that require comprehensive treatment and support. Recently, ketamine therapy has emerged as a novel tool in treating both mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorders, including cocaine abuse and alcohol abuse.
Ketamine’s mechanism of action differs from traditional addiction treatments, which primarily target specific neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine and serotonin. Instead, ketamine acts on the glutaminergic system, modulating synaptic plasticity and neuronal signaling pathways implicated in addiction. Clinical studies have suggested that through this mechanism, ketamine may interfere with the neural circuits involved in reward processing and cravings, thereby promoting abstinence.
Initial clinical studies regarding the efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of AUD have shown promising results. For instance, the University of Exter’s 2022 study entitled “Ketamine for the Reduction of Alcoholic Relapse (KARE)” demonstrated that patients receiving ketamine therapy achieved a prolonged and statistically significant increase in rates of abstinences in the six months post treatment.
At KETA Medical Center, we are committed to providing the highest level of clinical care to patients seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder and other conditions. If you seek treatment at KETA Medical Center, you can rest assured that our physicians will take the time to understand your mental health goals and communicate directly with your existing health care provider to develop a customized treatment plan. Additionally, a physician will always be present during patient treatments. If you believe you may be a candidate for ketamine treatment, book a free consultation at www.ketamc.com with one of our physicians to learn more.
