This podcast episode discusses research on using ketamine to treat cocaine use disorder. The discussion highlights studies showing ketamine's potential to reduce cocaine cravings and improve brain function in both animal models and human trials, by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and brain regions associated with reward and negative emotions. While acknowledging the need for further research, especially regarding sex differences in response, the speakers present ketamine as a promising new treatment option, contrasting its mechanisms with those of other medications currently used off-label for cocaine addiction. The podcast emphasizes a shift in addiction treatment paradigms, from solely focusing on abstinence to also considering harm reduction through decreased cocaine use. Finally, the episode speculates on the potential broader applications of ketamine's brain-rewiring properties for treating other conditions like trauma.

Based on the paper: Liriano A, Gu X, Zuo W, Ye J. Subanesthetic ketamine for reducing the harm of cocaine use disorder. INNOSC Theranostics and Pharmacological Sciences. doi: 10.36922/itps.445

Exploring the potential of self-guided dosing in Ketamine Therapy from the results of a study of self-guided dosing in DMT therapy.

We do a deep dive into the ability of Ketamine to boost brain flexibility. We look into how Ketamine boosts neuroplasticity and how that can help improve cognitive function in patients with long lasting depression. The podcast is based on the paper “Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics: A comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models” available as a pdf here.

This podcast tells about a research paper that looks at how people who use ketamine recreationally but haven't sought help for substance abuse use the drug. The study finds that these users often have their own rules for using ketamine, like sticking to certain doses, using it in specific places, and being careful about who they buy it from and use it with, to reduce the risk of negative consequences. The podcast is based on the paper “Occasional and Continuous Ketamine Users: Consumption Rules and Harm Reduction Strategies” by Dr. Raimondo Maria Pavarin of University of Bologna and can be found here.