Quit drinking and overcame aggression: a man cured his antisocial habits in an unconventional way.

A middle-aged man struggling with severe alcohol dependence, depression, and antisocial thoughts discovered an unexpected path to recovery through an unconventional treatment method. Researchers found that over three years, a combination of low-dose ketamine sessions and psychotherapy helped him navigate deep psychological issues, gradually leading to changes in his worldview and behavior, as reported by PsyPost.

This unusual case, recently described in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, provided scientists with a rare insight into how such treatment methods can offer hope to those battling complex mental disorders, according to the study's author, Matthew Hicks, a researcher at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, USA.

Ketamine, primarily known as an anesthetic used in medical procedures, has gained increasing scientific recognition in recent years for its potential in treating mental disorders. When administered in small doses under professional supervision, it can alleviate symptoms of severe depression and addiction.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to take effect, ketamine can provide rapid relief, sometimes within hours. In therapeutic settings, its dissociative properties allow patients to explore complex emotions and memories with less emotional resistance, making it a promising tool for psychotherapy.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) — a condition characterized by a persistent disregard for social norms and the rights of others — remains one of the most challenging mental health complications to treat. Individuals with ASPD often struggle with impulse control, aggression, and lack of remorse for their actions. The subject of this study, a 44-year-old man, exhibited several traits consistent with ASPD, including a pronounced sense of superiority, aggressive thoughts toward others, and a history of manipulative and harmful behavior.

The primary reason for seeking treatment was alcoholism, but he also reported overwhelming feelings of anger and social detachment, the authors noted. The treatment plan included an approach known as psycholytic therapy, which utilized small, effective doses of ketamine to facilitate therapeutic conversations. During the first year, he participated in numerous sessions, initially receiving doses of around 50 mg, gradually increasing to higher doses under careful supervision.

Over time, the man demonstrated significant behavioral changes. His alcohol consumption markedly decreased, and his depressive symptoms improved noticeably. Perhaps most strikingly, he began to express anger and violent thoughts less frequently and with less intensity. At one point, he reported a profound change in perspective during a session, experiencing a deep sense of remorse for his past actions — an emotional response that had previously been absent.

Despite the encouraging results, this case also highlights the limitations inherent in such individual reports. The findings pertain only to this specific individual and cannot be generalized to all patients with similar conditions. The lack of a controlled comparison with other treatment methods leaves it unclear whether the medication itself was a key factor in the patient's improvement or if structured psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions played a more significant role.

Nonetheless, such studies provide valuable information and direction for future research, helping to identify potential treatment options for individuals with severe mental disorders.

Ketamine is one of the few anesthetics included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines, not only for its medical applications in surgery but also for its emerging role in psychiatric care. As research expands in the field of psychotherapy using ketamine, such studies may pave the way for more gentle, accessible, and effective treatments for these disorders.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and is consistent with it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, please consult a physician.