Using ketamine and mindfulness to help people with opioid use disorder
Official title: Targeting Treatment-Resistant OUD with Ketamine-Assisted Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11045218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether combining ketamine with mindfulness techniques can help people with opioid use disorder who haven't had success with regular treatments, and we're inviting those who are struggling to join us in exploring this new approach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,837,542 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DA062106-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently receiving buprenorphine treatment but continue to struggle with drug use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder or those who do not have a diagnosis of opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combination of ketamine, an FDA-approved anesthetic, with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are resistant to standard treatments. The study will involve a randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of ketamine combined with MORE against a placebo treatment using diphenhydramine. Participants will receive treatment while being monitored for safety and effectiveness, with a focus on understanding how this combination may help reduce drug use and enhance mindfulness. The goal is to provide a more effective intervention for those struggling with OUD who have not responded well to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals with opioid use disorder who have not benefited from standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results when combining ketamine with psychotherapeutic approaches for treating various mental health conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application in opioid use disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garland, Eric Lee — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Garland, Eric Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ketamine-assisted mindfulness to help people on buprenorphine who keep relapsing
This project tests whether adding ketamine to a mindfulness-based program (MORE) can help people on buprenorphine who continue to struggle with opioid use.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
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Automated self-acceptance training plus ketamine to extend antidepressant benefits
A study tests whether adding a quick computerized self-positivity training after ketamine can prolong relief from depression for people seeking ketamine treatment.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
Mindfulness training to lower cardiovascular risk for moms and babies during pregnancy
A mindfulness program is being tested during pregnancy to help prevent high blood pressure and heart problems for mothers and their babies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.