Yes. Ketamine is being studied as a potential treatment for several substance use disorders, including alcohol, cocaine, opioid, and other addictions. Early studies and systematic reviews suggest possible short-term benefits for craving, abstinence, or treatment engagement in some groups, but the evidence remains limited and ketamine is not FDA-approved specifically for substance use disorders.

Why are researchers interested in ketamine?

Ketamine affects glutamate signaling and can produce rapid changes in mood and neuroplasticity. Researchers are investigating whether those effects, particularly when combined with psychotherapy, may help interrupt entrenched patterns of substance use or improve engagement in recovery.

Which substance use disorders have been studied?

Clinical research has included alcohol use disorder, cocaine use disorder, opioid use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and nicotine-related outcomes. The amount and quality of evidence differ substantially across conditions.

What does current research show?

A 2025 systematic review found promising but preliminary findings across several substance use disorders. A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials found a short-term abstinence signal, but not a statistically significant benefit across longer 1-to-6-month follow-up periods. The authors concluded that evidence remains insufficient to establish efficacy and safety conclusively.

Is ketamine FDA-approved for addiction treatment?

No. Ketamine itself is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, and esketamine has FDA-approved indications for certain depressive disorders. Neither is FDA-approved specifically to treat a substance use disorder.

What are the risks?

Ketamine can cause dissociation, perceptual changes, increases in blood pressure, sedation, and other effects. Ketamine also has misuse and dependence potential, and chronic recreational use can cause serious urinary and other health problems.

Trinity has a separate educational guide on ketamine use disorder.

Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy the same as standard addiction treatment?

No. It is an investigational approach studied in specific clinical protocols. Established addiction treatments include behavioral therapies, approved medications where available, mutual-aid and peer support, and appropriate levels of structured care.

Does Trinity Behavioral Health offer ketamine treatment?

This article does not establish that Trinity offers ketamine, esketamine, or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Current services should be verified directly with Trinity.

Frequently asked questions

Has ketamine been proven to treat alcohol or cocaine addiction?

No. Some trials show promising results, but the evidence remains too limited for ketamine to be considered an established addiction treatment.

Can ketamine itself be misused?

Yes. Ketamine has misuse and dependence potential, which is an important consideration in addiction-treatment research.

Is ketamine research the same as recreational ketamine use?

No. Clinical studies use screening, controlled administration, monitoring, and structured follow-up.

Sources

This article summarizes emerging research and is not individualized medical advice.

Is Ketamine Being Studied as a Treatment for Substance Use Disorders?