Could a ketone drink ease alcohol withdrawal?

NCT ID NCT06559995

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a ketone supplement drink can reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms in 30 adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Participants will receive either the ketone drink or a placebo for 4 days during inpatient detox. The main goal is to see if the ketone drink lowers the amount of benzodiazepine medication needed to manage withdrawal.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: ketone supplement (D-beta-hydroxybutyric acid and R-1,3 butanediol)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce reliance on standard sedative medications.
What could go wrong: This is an early combined Phase 2/3 trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The supplement may not outperform placebo, and side effects are not yet well understood.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse alcohol withdrawal Ketosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL KETOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Studies of Addiction
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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