About the study on reducing alcohol consumption

Investigation of the effects of ketamine and neurofeedback training, as well as their combination, as a novel treatment method for alcohol use disorder (AUD)

The Nektar study investigates a novel, neuroscience-based therapeutic approach for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. By combining a single dose of Ketamine with targeted Neurofeedback training using real-time MRI, the study aims to promote neuroplasticity and support participants in developing adaptive strategies for managing alcohol cravings, thereby reducing their alcohol consumption.

This project builds on promising findings: Ketamine has shown in previous clinical trials that it can reduce alcohol consumption, while neurofeedback training can help people gain control over brain activity related to cravings. Nektar is the first study to investigate whether combining these two strategies – pharmacological and neurocognitive – will lead to greater improvements in reducing alcohol consumption.

The aim of the study is to examine whether this combined intervention helps to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption, and to capture how changes in brain function and chemistry are related to the recovery process.

After completing the screening visit (visit 1), participants will be randomly assigned to one of three study groups:

1. Study group I: Ketamine / Realtime-fMRT-Neurofeedback
2. Study group II: Ketamine / Sham-Neurofeedback
3. Study group III: Placebo / Realtime-fMRT-Neurofeedback

Each participant is therefore guaranteed to receive a novel and innovative treatment method, the effectiveness of which is being investigated for the therapy of alcohol use disorder.

The study is taking place at the Psychiatric University Hospital (PUK) in Zurich and comprises seven appointments. The first five appointments will be held in person at Lenggstrasse 31, while the last two appointments consist of two online follow-ups and can be completed from home.

• Visit 1: Screening-Visit (3.5 hours) 
• Visit 2: Treatment-Visit 1 with MRI (MRS) (4 hours) 
• Visit 3: Treatment-Visit 2 with MRI (Neurofeedback Training) (2.5 hours) 
• Visit 4: Treatment-Visit 3 with Ketamine or Placebo as well as Realtime-Neurofeedback oder Sham-Neurofeedback Training (6 hours) 
• Visit 5: Integration-Visit after 1 month (1.5 hours)
• Visits 6 & 7: Online Follow-Up after 3 and 6 months (1.5 hours) 

Individuals wishing to change their consumption patterns can participate in our study if the following criteria are met:

• aged between 18 - 65 years 
• regular alcohol consumption
• good German or English skills
• motivation for alcohol reduction

Participation is not possible if, among other things, one of the following criteria is met:

• bipolar or psychotic disorder
• current suicidality
• untreated high blood pressure
• untreated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidismn
• pregnant or breast feading women
• severe physical disorders
• allergy or sensitivity to ketamine
• current participation in another clinical trial

Study participants will have the opportunity to use a novel treatment method. While there is no direct personal benefit for participants from taking part in the study, there is evidence suggesting that both ketamine treatment and neurofeedback training could have positive effects on alcohol use disorder.

The risks of participating in the study include the side effects of ketamine, which is a safe and well-researched drug that is already widely used for other mental illnesses such as depression.

Full participation will be compensated with CHF 550.

The study started in 2024 and will run until the end of 2026.

Those interested can register here