Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Addiction: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Clinical Implications

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are notoriously difficult to treat due to complex biopsychosocial underpinnings and high relapse rates. Recent evidence positions ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as a promising intervention for treatment-resistant addiction. This review explores ketamine’s neurobiological mechanisms, its synergistic effect with psychotherapy, and clinical data supporting its efficacy in various substance use disorders. Additionally, it addresses safety concerns and outlines practical considerations for integration into clinical practice.