Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Addiction Treatment: The Whys and Hows, The Dos and Don'ts

In this episode of ASAM Practice Pearls, Dr. Stephen Taylor and Dr. Brent Boyett explore the potential of ketamine in addiction treatment. They discuss its history, mechanism of action, current research, clinical applications, risks, and future outlook. The episode offers valuable insights into ketamine’s role in addiction treatment while considering safety and its impact within the biopsychosocial-spiritual model. 

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Host

Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM

Dr. Stephen M. Taylor is ASAM’s President-Elect and is board-certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine. With over 30 years of practice experience, Dr. Taylor is dedicated to helping adolescents and adults overcome addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. He has served as the Medical Director of the NBA and NBPA Player Assistance and Anti-Drug Program for 16 years and is the Chief Medical Officer of Pathway Healthcare, which operates multiple outpatient addiction and mental health treatment offices across six states.

Expert

Brent Boyett, DMD, DO, DFASAM

Dr. Brent Boyett is a board-certified specialist in family medicine, addiction medicine, preventive medicine, and dental anesthesiology. He is a Distinguished Diplomat of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Family Practice and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. With extensive training in addiction disorders, Dr. Boyett travels nationwide to educate others on the effects of opioids, cannabis, and psychedelics on the brain, with a particular focus on the future of psychedelics, especially ketamine. He earned his DMD. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1994) and his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences (1998). He then completed a Family Medicine Residency at the University of Mississippi (2001), specializing in internal medicine, anesthesia, and oral surgery. After years in private practice, Dr. Boyett transitioned to addiction treatment and research. He now practices at the North Mississippi Hospital System’s Neuroscience Institute, specializing in pain and addiction treatment. Additionally, he is a certified Ketamine Medical Provider. 

📖 Show Segments

• 00:05 - Introduction
• 00:14 - Celebrity Encounters with Ketamine
• 01:58 - History and Medical Use of Ketamine
• 04:03 - Neuroplasticity and Ketamine
• 08:17 - Ketamine’s Potential in Treating Addiction
• 10:57 - Research and FDA-Approval Potential
• 17:27 - Clinical Procedures for Ketamine Infusion
• 24:58 - Risks and Concerns with Ketamine Use
• 28:31 – Accessibility of Ketamine
• 29:13 - Future of Ketamine
• 30:29 - Key Takeaways
• 33:12 – Conclusion and Additional Learning Opportunities

📋 Key Takeaways

• Ketamine’s Evolution & Uses: Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine is now being explored for its potential in treating substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and various other maladaptive conditions.
• Neuroplasticity & Addiction: Ketamine enhances neuroplasticity by helping to rewire the brain and restore prefrontal control, which can disrupt addictive patterns. 
• Clinical Use & Safety: Proper screening, preparation, and professional supervision are essential for the safe and effective administration of ketamine therapy. 
• Set, Setting & Integration: A supportive treatment environment—including calming music and minimal distractions—combined with post-treatment activities like journaling, cognitive strategies, and lifestyle changes, helps reinforce long-term benefits. 
• Challenges & Accessibility: Traditional ketamine lacks patent protection, limiting financial incentives for clinical trials. However, newer forms like esketamine offer commercial viability. Treatment remains costly and is often not covered by insurance. 
• Potential for Misuse: Ketamine should only be administered professionally. Unsupervised and at-home treatments pose risks and should be avoided. 
• Holistic Treatment Approach: Ketamine is a tool and should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, combined with other therapies (e.g., contingency management and behavioral strategies) to achieve lasting change. 

🔗 Resources

• Become an ASAM Member today! Join HERE  
• Psychedelic Medicine Special Interest Group: Educates members on the current best evidence in the field of psychedelic medicine used in the treatment of addictive disorders and mental illness. ASAM Members can log in to ASAM Connect to join the community. 
• American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP3): A non-profit organization dedicated to the safe clinical use of ketamine for mental health and pain conditions. 
• Boyett Health Services, Inc. The Neuroscience of Pain and Pleasure: Contact Dr. Brent Boyett or explore his insights on ketamine and addiction treatment. 
• Mendel Kaelen Psychedelic Therapy Spotify Playlist: Curated music designed for psychedelic therapy. 
• Negative Consequences Inventory (NCI-8): A tool for assessing potential negative outcomes associated with psychedelic use. 
• Psychedelic Change Questionnaire (PCQ-26): Evaluates emotional and psychological changes experienced during and after psychedelic treatment. 
• Psychedelic Medicine Podcast: by Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD  

📢 Join the Discussion

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