Ketone Supplement for Alcohol Withdrawal
(KSAW Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn the effects of ketone supplement compared to placebo on alcohol withdrawal symptoms during a 4 day alcohol withdrawal management treatment in adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Cedar Detox Center.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are experiencing significant withdrawal from substances like benzodiazepines or opioids, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is ketone supplementation safe for humans?
Research shows that ketone supplements, like D-β-hydroxybutyric acid and R-1,3-butanediol, have been used in studies with humans and rats to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These studies did not report any major safety concerns, suggesting that ketone supplements are generally safe for human use.12345
How is the ketone supplement treatment different from other treatments for alcohol withdrawal?
The ketone supplement treatment is unique because it uses ketone bodies as an alternative energy source for the brain, which may help reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms by compensating for the energy deficit caused by a drop in acetate levels during withdrawal. This approach is different from traditional treatments that often focus on managing symptoms with medications like benzodiazepines.12346
What data supports the effectiveness of the ketone supplement treatment for alcohol withdrawal?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Corinde Wiers, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who are undergoing a 4-day alcohol withdrawal treatment. It's being conducted at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Cedar Detox Center.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either ketone supplement or placebo beverage for alcohol withdrawal management
Follow-up
Participants undergo a magnetic resonance imaging session to assess brain metabolism
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ketone Supplement
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator