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Ketamine’s Potential in Treating Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction remains a pressing public health concern in the United Kingdom, affecting millions of lives and placing a significant burden on the National Health Service (NHS). As traditional treatments often fall short, with relapse rates as high as 70% after six months, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to combat this pervasive issue.

One such promising avenue is the use of ketamine-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here we will look at  a new clinical trial underway in the UK that explores the effectiveness of using Ketamine to treat serious alcohol addictions.

 

The MORE-KARE Trial

The Multicentre Investigation of Ketamine for Reduction of Alcohol Relapse (MORE-KARE) trial represents a significant leap forward in addiction treatment research. This £2.4 million phase III clinical trial, the largest of its kind, is currently recruiting participants across multiple NHS sites in the UK.

 

Key features of the MORE-KARE trial include:

The key features of the MORE-KARE (Multicentre Investigation of Ketamine for Reduction of Alcohol Relapse) trial are:

  • Participation of 280 adults with severe alcohol use disorder
  • Randomized allocation to two treatment arms:
    1. Therapeutic dose of ketamine with psychological therapy
    2. Subtherapeutic dose of ketamine with alcohol education
  • Primary goal to determine if ketamine-assisted therapy can reduce heavy drinking days six months post-treatment
  • Potential for NHS implementation if proven effective

 

The Science Behind Ketamine for AUD

The MORE-KARE trial builds upon promising results from an earlier phase II study. This preliminary research demonstrated that ketamine combined with therapy led to an impressive 86% abstinence rate over a six-month follow-up period.

These findings suggest that ketamine, when used in conjunction with appropriate psychological support, could offer a breakthrough in treating alcohol addiction.Ketamine, traditionally known as an anesthetic, has gained attention in recent years for its potential in treating various mental health conditions, including depression and now, alcohol use disorder. Its rapid-acting properties and ability to promote neuroplasticity make it an intriguing candidate for addiction treatment.

Ketamine’s Potential in Treating Alcohol Addiction - visual selection

 

The Urgent Need for New Treatments

The urgency for innovative AUD treatments is underscored by alarming statistics:

  • An estimated 10 million people in England regularly exceed low-risk drinking guidelines
  • Approximately 600,000 individuals are dependent on alcohol, with a massive 82% not receiving treatment
  • Alcohol-related deaths have risen by 89% over the past two decades, with sharp increases since 2019
  • Alcohol is linked to over 100 illnesses and 42% of violent crime

These figures highlight the immense scale of the problem and the critical need for more effective interventions.

 

Trial Details and Participant Recruitment

The MORE-KARE trial is being conducted across eight NHS sites in the UK, with Exeter and Oxford currently accepting participants. Additional sites in London, Manchester, Plymouth, Surrey, and Sussex are set to open soon.

Participants will undergo a comprehensive treatment protocol, including:

  • Three weekly intravenous infusions of either ketamine or a placebo
  • Randomised allocation to receive either psychological therapy or educational control
  • 10 appointments over a 6-month period, involving vital sign checks, blood and urine samples, questionnaires, and psychological and memory tests
  • Continuous alcohol usage monitoring via an ankle bracelet

 

Potential Impact and Future Implications

If successful, the MORE-KARE trial could revolutionize AUD treatment in the UK. The potential benefits extend beyond individual health improvements to significant societal and economic impacts:

  • Reduced burden on the NHS, which currently spends an estimated £3.5 billion annually on alcohol-related issues
  • Decreased alcohol-related violent crime, potentially improving public safety
  • Improved quality of life for individuals and families affected by alcohol addiction

Broader Context of Alcohol Addiction in the UK

To fully appreciate the significance of the MORE-KARE trial, it’s crucial to understand the broader context of alcohol addiction in the UK:

  • In 2022, there were 7,912 alcohol-specific deaths in the UK
  • An estimated 384,000 incidents of violent crime in 2022/23 involved offenders under the influence of alcohol
  • The economic burden of alcohol is estimated to be between 1.3% and 2.7% of annual UK GDP (approximately £21 to £52 billion)

These statistics underscore the widespread impact of alcohol misuse and the urgent need for effective interventions.

 

Government Response and Funding

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the UK government has allocated substantial funding to combat drug and alcohol misuse. In February 2023, an additional £421 million was announced to improve addiction treatment and recovery services across England through 2025.

This investment aims to:

  • Create over 50,000 high-quality places in drug and alcohol treatment programs
  • Recruit more staff to work with individuals struggling with substance abuse
  • Support prison leavers in accessing treatment and recovery services
  • Enhance the quality of treatment provided, potentially reducing relapse rates

 

The MORE-KARE trial represents a beacon of hope in the fight against alcohol addiction. By exploring the potential of ketamine-assisted therapy, researchers are paving the way for a new era in AUD treatment. As the trial progresses, it holds the promise of not only transforming individual lives but also alleviating the broader societal and economic burdens of alcohol misuse in the UK.

For those struggling with alcohol addiction or concerned about their drinking habits, resources are available. The NHS provides information and support services for alcohol-related issues, and organisations like Drinkaware offer guidance and tools for managing alcohol consumption.

As we await the results of this groundbreaking study, it’s clear that innovative approaches like the MORE-KARE trial are crucial in addressing the complex challenges of alcohol addiction. The potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the devastating impact of AUD on individuals, families, and society at large makes this research a critical step forward in public health.

 

Get In Touch With Eulas

As one of the founding Ketamine Assited Therapy clinic in the UK, we have been treating our clients with low dose Ketamine and helping them combat depression and axiety withour alternative therapy.

If in the future our leading treatments allow us to help people overcome alcohol addiction, it could help to reduce the burden on society and help people regain control of their lives away from the struggle of addiction.

If you would like to know more about the therapies we offer at Eulas, contact us today.