Ketamine for substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Ketamine for substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Shu-Ping Fang

  • Xin Yang

  • Da-Cong Zhao

  • Yang Wen

  • Yi-Hao Liu

  • Zhe Li

  • Mao-Sheng Ran

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine in Treating SUDs

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of ketamine for treating substance use disorders (SUDs). The findings indicate that ketamine may improve short-term abstinence rates.

Background

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a significant global health concern, affecting millions and often leading to high relapse rates. Current treatment options are limited.

Data Highlights

OutcomeOdds Ratio (OR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)p-value
Abstinence at <1 month3.271.55–6.92<0.01
Abstinence at 1–6 months1.740.91–3.300.09
Dropout rates0.740.46–1.210.23

Key Findings

  • Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 798 participants were included in the analysis.
  • Ketamine was associated with significantly improved abstinence rates at less than one month.
  • No significant difference in dropout rates was observed between ketamine and control groups.
  • Adverse events did not show significant differences, but the evidence was limited.
  • The evidence for long-term efficacy and safety of ketamine in treating SUD remains insufficient.

Clinical Implications

Current treatment guidelines do not recommend ketamine for SUD.

Conclusion

In summary, ketamine shows potential for short-term efficacy in treating SUD.

Related Resources & Content

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  9. Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder - NCBI Bookshelf
  10. Ketamine-assisted Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement for opioid use disorder: a randomized controlled trial | Nature Mental Health
  11. appi.ajp.2021.21030277.pdf
  12. Role of ketamine in the treatment of substance use disorders: A systematic review - ScienceDirect

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