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

American Journal on Addictions 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mariana Calora Quintino de Oliveira, Cláudia Carneiro de Araújo Palmeira, André Brooking Negrão, Ziyad Abdel Hadi, Julia Arana, Rita de Cássia Ferreira Duarte, Joice L. P. da Silva, Gustavo Kenji Matsui, João F. D. Rapozero, Douglas Henrique Crispim, André Malbergier, João M. Castaldelli‐Maia
DOI: 10.1111/ajad.70131
Cited by: 1
References: 8

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Treatment of Major Depression Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal on Addictions
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
35
Issue
3
Pages
431–434
Publication date
28 January 2026
Language
EN