Ketamine therapy shows promise for alcohol and depression in early trial

NCT ID NCT07247370

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: South West Sydney Local Health District Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small pilot study will test whether adding ketamine to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is safe and feasible for people with both alcohol use disorder and major depression. Twenty participants will receive three ketamine injections over six weeks along with CBT sessions. The main goals are to see if people stay in the study and to monitor side effects, not yet to prove the treatment works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ketamine
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a new treatment approach for people struggling with both alcohol dependence and depression.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study with only 20 participants. It is designed mainly to check safety and feasibility, not to prove effectiveness. Results may not apply to broader populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER (AUD) COMORBIDITIES AND COEXISTING CONDITIONS MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia

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