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Cannabidiol (CBD) for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

The neurobehavioural effects of cannabidiol in alcohol use disorder: Study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, cross over, placebo-controlled trial

AlcoholCannabis.jfif

Current treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUD) have limited efficacy. Recently, Cannabidiol (CBD) has been examined in a multitude of clinical settings. Preclinical and clinical results suggest that CBD might be particularly well suited for the treatment of AUD and may reduce alcohol cue and stress-induced craving and alcohol seeking. This study aims to investigate this new pharmacotherapy with a particular focus on neurobiological and physiological indicators of craving. 


Previous research suggests that the endocannabinoid system may underlie psychiatric and substance use disorders. Indeed, the endocannabinoid system has been found to be perturbed following chronic heavy alcohol use and is implicated in reward processing.


In this double-blind, within-subject, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, non-treatment seekers will be randomly allocated to three days of four 200 mg CBD gel capsules (800 mg/day) or placebo, with an 18-day washout period. Cognitive, clinical and neuroimaging assessments will be completed during these three days. The CBD and placebo assessments will be compared. This study will improve the understanding of the mechanisms of action of CBD and provide early signals of efficacy regarding the therapeutic potential of CBD in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

11 January, 2025