Ketamine-assisted therapy for opioid addiction

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Opioid Use Disorder

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional University of Utah · NCT04892251

This study is testing whether adding ketamine to a mindfulness therapy can help people with opioid addiction feel better compared to just the mindfulness therapy alone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Utah Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT04892251 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of ketamine as an adjunct to a mindfulness-based intervention for individuals with opioid use disorder. The study compares a modified version of the Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) that includes ketamine (MORE+KAP) against the standard MORE intervention. Participants will be individuals receiving medication for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine. The primary goal is to assess improvements in treatment outcomes with MORE+KAP, while the secondary goal focuses on understanding the psychobiological mechanisms involved.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently receiving treatment with a buprenorphine formulation.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of serious mental health issues or those who have previously participated in mindfulness-based interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance treatment outcomes for patients struggling with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ketamine in addiction treatment is emerging, this specific combination with mindfulness-based interventions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder
2. Receiving OUD treatment with a buprenorphine formulation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous experience with a mindfulness-based intervention program
2. Pregnancy
3. Any serious medical, mental, or cognitive issue that prevents successful participation in a mindfulness-based group treatment program
4. Prior use of ketamine other than as prescribed by a physician
5. Any of the following medical conditions

Blood Vessel Disease Heart Valve Disease Heart Failure Class 2 or Above Heart Disease Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Arteriovenous Malformation History of Intracranial Bleeding or Stroke History of Seizures Hypoxia defined by current need for supplemental oxygen Liver Disease History of allergic reaction to Ketamine Dementia (moderate-severe) History of Psychotic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or Personality Disorder Dissociative Identity Disorder

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Opioid-use Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.