Affiliation:
1. Department of Psychiatry, GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Abstract
Background:
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are emerging as a substance use disorder having various psychological and physical ill effects leading to hampering of individual’s productivity and functioning.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ketamine in enhancing confidence levels to abstain from alcohol.
Methods:
Eighteen patients were administered ketamine intravenously after detoxification; a total of three doses, with a 3-day gap between each. The Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure their confidence in abstaining from alcohol.
Results:
The study revealed a significant increase in mean confidence scores after three ketamine sessions, with a final assessment showing a 51.98% increase in confidence from baseline.
Conclusions:
The study found that ketamine therapy significantly increased confidence levels in individuals with AUD to abstain from alcohol, with P = 0.05 threshold. However, the impact may wane over time, suggesting the need for additional support or maintenance treatments.