Ketamine for Substance Use Disorder.

Ketamine treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) is an emerging approach being investigated for its potential effects on cravings, substance-related learning, and recovery. Ketamine influences NMDA receptors and glutamate signaling, which are involved in learning and neuroplasticity.

Northwest Ketamine Clinics' Bellevue program combines medically supervised intravenous (IV) ketamine with structured psychotherapy integration. Ketamine for SUD is an off-label treatment approach.

Early randomized clinical trials have investigated IV ketamine for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Some studies have reported improvements in drinking outcomes, including more days abstinent from alcohol.

These findings are promising but preliminary. Results vary, and ketamine has not been established as a replacement for evidence-based alcohol use disorder treatment, including appropriate medications and behavioral therapies.

Ketamine has been studied in limited research involving people with opioid dependence, including earlier studies of heroin dependence. Some findings suggest potential benefits, but the evidence is substantially more limited than for alcohol use disorder.

Medication treatment with buprenorphine or methadone remains a central evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Ketamine should not be considered a substitute for these treatments.

Researchers have examined whether ketamine affects craving, substance-related memories, and patterns of alcohol or opioid use. Some studies have reported improvements in certain outcomes, but findings are not consistent enough to guarantee reduced cravings.

Cravings can have multiple biological, psychological, and environmental causes. Ongoing recovery support remains important.

You do not need to establish complete abstinence before contacting our intake team. However, readiness for an IV ketamine infusion depends on medical stability, recent substance use, withdrawal risk, and individual clinical circumstances.

Patients with alcohol use disorder may require stabilization before treatment. Our clinical team determines the appropriate next steps during evaluation. Do not abruptly stop heavy alcohol use without medical guidance.

No. Northwest Ketamine Clinics' substance use disorder protocol is not a detoxification program or an emergency withdrawal management service. Patients who need alcohol or drug withdrawal treatment should receive the appropriate medical care before participating.

Alcohol and sedative withdrawal can be medically dangerous. Our team evaluates treatment readiness and may recommend additional stabilization or another level of care.

No. Our substance use disorder protocol is designed to complement existing addiction treatment, not replace prescribed medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol).

These medications serve important roles in opioid use disorder treatment. Do not stop or change addiction medications without direction from your prescribing clinician. Medication coordination is reviewed during the intake process.

Yes. Ketamine has misuse and dependence potential, which is particularly relevant when evaluating people with a history of substance use disorder.

Clinical administration differs from unsupervised use because medication is given in a controlled setting with medical monitoring. However, medical supervision does not eliminate the risk of misuse or psychological dependence. Screening and individualized risk assessment are essential.

Northwest Ketamine Clinics does not offer its Bellevue SUD protocol for the treatment of kratom dependency, kratom addiction, or kratom use disorder.

Patients seeking help specifically for kratom should consult a qualified addiction medicine provider about appropriate treatment options.

Yes. Our Bellevue SUD protocol requires patients to have an established relationship with a primary addiction-medicine provider before beginning treatment.

This helps support coordination with existing medication treatment, counseling, and longer-term recovery care. Our intake team can explain this requirement during your introductory call.

The Bellevue SUD protocol includes seven treatment appointments over approximately four weeks: one preparation and intake session, three medically supervised IV ketamine infusions, and three psychotherapy integration sessions.

The preparation session establishes treatment goals. Each infusion is followed by therapeutic integration focused on recovery strategies and ongoing support.

The complete Bellevue substance use disorder program includes three IV ketamine infusions. The infusions are scheduled as part of a four-week treatment structure that also includes preparation and therapeutic integration.

The infusion itself generally lasts approximately 40 minutes, with additional time needed for preparation, monitoring, and recovery.

Therapeutic integration is a structured psychotherapy session intended to help patients reflect on their treatment, identify substance-use triggers, develop coping strategies, and connect their experiences with recovery goals.

Our SUD protocol includes three integration sessions, generally scheduled approximately 24–48 hours after the corresponding infusion. Integration is a standard component of this program.

Yes. Our SUD protocol is intended to complement existing addiction treatment and recovery support. This may include individual counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), other peer-support programs, or residential treatment aftercare.

Your established addiction-medicine provider remains an important part of coordinating ongoing care.

Some research has examined changes in alcohol-related behavior during treatment and subsequent follow-up. However, study findings do not establish a predictable timeline for craving reduction or behavioral change.

Not every patient responds, and the effects of ketamine on alcohol or opioid use remain areas of active research.

No treatment can guarantee that relapse will not occur. Some early clinical research has reported improvements in alcohol-related outcomes, but evidence does not establish that ketamine reliably prevents relapse.

Longer-term recovery generally requires individualized planning, ongoing clinical care, coping strategies, and appropriate support systems.

Potential short-term effects include dizziness, nausea, temporary changes in perception, dissociation, sedation, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety or distress during treatment.

Ketamine also has misuse potential. Your provider reviews medical history, substance use history, medications, and safety considerations before determining whether treatment is appropriate.

The complete Northwest Ketamine Clinics substance use disorder protocol is $2,700. The program includes three IV ketamine infusions and four psychotherapy sessions, consisting of one preparation session and three integrations.

The program's listed cost is divided into $1,350 for infusions and $1,350 for psychotherapy services. Our intake team can review current pricing and payment options before enrollment.

Coverage for ketamine treatment of substance use disorder is generally limited because this is an off-label use. Patients should not assume that insurance will reimburse the program cost.

Northwest Ketamine Clinics accepts CareCredit for eligible treatment expenses, subject to credit approval and financing terms. Our intake team can explain available options during your introductory call.

Northwest Ketamine Clinics' substance use disorder program is offered exclusively at our Bellevue, Washington clinic. It is not currently available at our Seattle or Tacoma locations.

Start by requesting a free introductory call with our intake team. We can explain the program structure, pricing, provider requirements, and medical evaluation process. You can also call (206) 309-2299 .