Could ketamine help treat alcohol dependence?

Current treatments for alcohol dependence often fail. So researchers are investigating more unusual interventionsJanuary 2018 has come to an end and with it the month that people increasingly use to abstain from alcohol. It is still unknown whether Dry January has alasting effect on drinking behaviours, and people with an alcohol dependency problem should always seek support from their GP before going through detox. Nonetheless, Dry January undoubtedly drives a critical conversation about alcohol use and provides an opportunity for us to reconsider our relationship with alcohol (one of the main goals of the charity Alcohol Concern, who support the challenge).While overall alcohol consumption in the UK is falling, alcohol abuse still represents thefifth biggest risk factor for illness, death and disability across all ages. With current treatments often failing to prevent relapse in the long term, researchers are investigating the possibility of using ketamine combined with psychological therapy to help people stay dry, and not just for January. Despite its often cited use as a recreational drug and “horse-tranquilizer” ketamine is also the most widely used anaesthetic in humans. Administered appropriately in a controlled and safe medical environment, ketamine may also havebenefits in the treatment of drug problems.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Science Alcohol Society Drugs Source Type: news