Ketamine Infusions Linked to Fewer Heavy Drinking Days
A new analysis suggests ketamine may reduce heavy alcohol consumption in some patients.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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A post hoc analysis found that patients receiving ketamine infusions as an add-on treatment experienced a 67% reduction in heavy drinking days. These findings have prompted a 280-patient phase III clinical trial in the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
Reducing heavy drinking days is a primary clinical metric used by the European Medicines Agency to evaluate potential alcohol use disorder treatments. This research highlights how clinicians and researchers are re-evaluating existing therapies for long-term addiction management.
A post hoc analysis of a phase II clinical trial measured outcomes in patients who received a four-week course of ketamine infusions as an add-on treatment. Researchers observed a 67% reduction in heavy drinking days compared to placebo during weeks 17 to 20 of the study.
The players
Solvonis Therapeutics
A pharmaceutical company currently developing ketamine-based interventions for alcohol use disorders.
The details
Patients in the analysis underwent a four-week course of ketamine infusions administered as an add-on to standard care. Beyond the reduction in heavy drinking, researchers also noted a decrease in craving and rumination symptoms at the three-month mark. Because the analysis compared different patient groups and was not adjusted for multiple comparisons, the results remain preliminary.
Timeline
Weeks 17 to 20: 67% reduction in heavy drinking days was measured.
Weeks 17 to 24: 55% reduction in heavy drinking days was observed but was not statistically significant.
Three months: A significant reduction in craving and rumination was observed.
Health Landscape
This study aligns with established European Medicines Agency alcohol treatment evaluation standards by prioritizing heavy drinking days as a core metric for success. It sits within a growing body of research investigating novel, off-label applications of existing psychiatric medications.
These findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as a recommendation for current treatment changes. Anyone managing alcohol use disorder should consult with a physician regarding established, evidence-based care options.
The takeaway
While ketamine is being studied as a potential tool to help manage cravings and heavy drinking, current data is preliminary and requires further validation. Focus on evidence-based treatment plans established by your physician and continue to monitor new phase III results as they emerge.
Further reading
For broader context on how research into addiction is evolving, see our Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Proactiveinvestors NA.
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