Work

Brief report: Ketamine‐assisted “bridge therapy” for opioid tapering in complex cases

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Opioid use disorder (OUD) presents major challenges, especially when combined with chronic pain and psychiatric comorbidities. A 25-year-old woman with OUD, chronic pain, and major depressive disorder underwent an 8-week protocol of intravenous ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg weekly) as an adjunct to opioid tapering. RESULTS: Methadone dosage was reduced by 50%, with improved pain and craving control, reduced withdrawal symptoms, and greater psychotherapy engagement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine-assisted "bridge therapy" treatment may support opioid tapering in complex cases. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This is a novel report to document a multifaceted improvement in this specific comorbidity cluster.

Source: American Journal on Addictions

DOI: 10.1111/ajad.70131