Ketamine Therapy for Alcohol Addiction & AUD

Ketamine therapy can help those with alcohol addiction by increasing glutamate activity in the brain and  improving neuroplasticity. This can help interrupt habitual, stress‑driven patterns that fuel alcohol craving and relapse. Recent clinical studies have shown that ketamine combined with integrated psychiatric care can significantly extend periods of abstinence, especially when compared with psychotherapy alone.

Patients undergo a comprehensive medical screening and a brief physical exam to confirm readiness for treatment, and the clinical team will advise you about any required sobriety or timing considerations for safety. Decisions about proceeding are individualized based on medical status, medications, and overall safety.

A good candidate for ketamine therapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is someone who is motivated to reduce or stop drinking and who may benefit from ketamine’s ability to lower cravings, improve mood, and enhance engagement in therapy. Ketamine may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Struggle with cravings or relapse despite traditional treatments
• Have co-occurring depression, anxiety, or trauma, which often contribute to alcohol use
• Are engaged in or open to therapy or counseling, as ketamine can strengthen the effectiveness of behavioral treatments (though this is not required) 

Ketamine can be a powerful tool for people with AUD when combined with therapy and a structured recovery plan. Keta Medical Center’s clinical team will review your medical history, alcohol use patterns, and treatment goals to determine if ketamine is a safe and appropriate option for you.

Keta Medical Center integrates ketamine therapy for alcohol addiction with personalized treatment planning and psychotherapy options, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and integrated psychiatric care. Ketamine can reduce cravings and improve mood, but lasting recovery requires ongoing support and maintenance sessions are strongly recommended after the first induction period.

The overwhelming majority of Keta Medical Center’s patients are covered by insurance and pay $50 or less per treatment.

Insurance coverage for alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorder depends on the type of ketamine treatment you receive:

• Spravato® (Esketamine) is FDA-approved and many insurance providers will cover it for depression related to alcohol addiction.  Keta Medical Center will work with your insurer to complete the required prior authorization and provide documentation of your treatment history.
• IV Ketamine is considered an off-label treatment, so most insurance plans do not cover it. Therefore, it is typically an out-of-pocket service. Superbills for patients to submit to insurance providers are available.

Keta Medical Center’s team can help you review your benefits, understand your coverage options, and determine the best financing plan to suit your needs and budget. Unsure? Schedule a consultation and we can help clarify.