Researchers at the Edith Collins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital are investigating whether ketamine-enhanced therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for people living with both alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder. These two conditions often occur together and can make recovery harder, yet few treatments address both at the same time.
If you're interested in taking part, click below to find out if you're eligible.
You may be eligible to take part if you:
Are aged 18 or over
Are currently drinking heavily and would like to cut down
Have been diagnosed with, or are experiencing symptoms of, major depression
Are based in Sydney and able to attend clinic visits at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Interested in taking part? Click below to register your interest.
What's involved?
The study runs for approximately 5 months. Everyone who takes part receives both the ketamine and the therapy — there is no placebo group.
6 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) covering alcohol use, mood, and recovery strategies
3 low-dose ketamine sessions administered by a nurse in a supervised clinical setting at RPA, spaced two weeks apart
2 follow-up visits at 4 and 12 weeks after your final treatment
A short daily phone app to log your mood and cravings between visits
Compensation
You will be reimbursed for your time with gift vouchers equivalent to:
Up to $60 for completing the daily phone app
$40 per follow-up visit ($80 in total)
Travel reimbursement (Cab charge or similar) following each ketamine dosing session
