Intravenous Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder

Chidalu N. Ibeneme *

University of Toledo, Toledo OH-43606, USA.

Amarachukwu B. Diala

Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, USA.

Victory Afolabi

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria.

Nkechinyere M. Harry

Vinnytsia National Pirogov Medical University, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine.

Kenechukwu Anona

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria.

Vivien O. Obitulata-Ugwu

College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku/Ozalla-402109, Nigeria.

Olubukola Anike Kuye

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria.

Oluwatosin Arubuolawe

Manhattan Psychiatry Center, New York-10035, USA.

Ibrahim Folorunsho

General Directorate of Health Affairs, Najran-12271, Saudi Arabia.

Adeniyi Kayode Busari

Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, Georgia.

Chinelo Madekwe

Vinnytsia National Pirogov Medical University, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine.

Soji Ojo

Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, USA.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) represent a critical public health issue, significantly contributing to global morbidity and mortality. Traditional pharmacotherapies for SUD have limited efficacy, necessitating innovative treatment approaches. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has shown promise beyond its anesthetic and analgesic uses, demonstrating potential therapeutic effects in SUD management.

Objective: This study explores the efficacy of intravenous ketamine as a therapeutic intervention for SUD, including alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and other substances.

Methods: A comprehensive review of clinical trials conducted in preclinical studies essential to assessing the potential effects of intravenous ketamine on various SUDs. The review focused on ketamine's impact on withdrawal symptoms, cravings, abstinence rates, and overall treatment outcomes across different substances.

Results: Studies indicate that ketamine infusions, combined with psychological therapies, significantly increase abstinence days and reduce alcohol intake. Ketamine also appears effective as an adjunctive treatment for benzodiazepine-resistant alcohol withdrawal. Clinical trials reveal that ketamine can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. High-dose ketamine administration showed a sustained reduction in craving and increased abstinence rates compared to lower doses. Ketamine treatment significantly reduces cocaine-seeking behavior and cravings in both preclinical and clinical settings. Participants reported reduced cocaine consumption and cravings post-infusion, with effects lasting up to several weeks. Preliminary studies also suggest ketamine's potential in reducing nicotine self-administration and aiding cannabis use disorder treatment when combined with behavioral therapies.

Conclusion: Intravenous ketamine shows promise as a treatment for various substance use disorders by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and promoting abstinence. However, further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods must confirm these findings and establish ketamine's long-term efficacy and safety in SUD treatment.

Keywords: Ketamine, substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, cocaine use disorder, intravenous therapy, NMDA receptor antagonist


How to Cite

Ibeneme, Chidalu N., Amarachukwu B. Diala, Victory Afolabi, Nkechinyere M. Harry, Kenechukwu Anona, Vivien O. Obitulata-Ugwu, Olubukola Anike Kuye, Oluwatosin Arubuolawe, Ibrahim Folorunsho, Adeniyi Kayode Busari, Chinelo Madekwe, and Soji Ojo. 2024. “Intravenous Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder”. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research 36 (10):125-33. https://doi.org/10.9734/jammr/2024/v36i105596.