A recent study has demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD) can help reduce alcohol cravings in individuals suffering from alcoholism. CBD, a natural component of the cannabis plant, is non-intoxicating and has been gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Breakthrough Research from CIMH

Scientists at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) have provided the first clinical evidence that CBD may aid in addressing alcohol-related disorders. Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest that this cannabis-derived compound could be a valuable tool in treating alcoholism.

The First Clinical Study on CBD and Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol-related disorders cause significant distress and remain one of the most widespread and devastating health concerns globally. Despite their prevalence, only a limited number of pharmaceutical treatments exist. Even among those receiving relapse prevention medication, many patients experience recurrence, highlighting the urgent need for novel treatment options.

Previous preclinical research indicated that CBD could significantly reduce alcohol consumption in laboratory animals. However, there had been a lack of human trials—until now. The ICONIC study (Investigation of the effects of Cannabidiol ON cue-InduCed alcohol craving and nucleus accumbens activation) aimed to fill this research gap.

The study examined how CBD affects alcohol cravings triggered by exposure to alcohol-related stimuli, as well as its influence on activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region associated with reward processing and addiction.

Testing in a Simulated Bar Environment

The double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial involved 28 participants aged 18 to 60 with mild to severe alcohol-related disorders. Conducted at CIMH in Mannheim, the study divided participants into two groups: one received a single 800 mg dose of CBD, while the other was given a placebo.

Subjects were then exposed to various alcohol-related cues and stressful scenarios, including images of alcoholic beverages and a simulated bar environment. Their cravings were assessed through questionnaires, while their brain activity was monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

CBD’s Effect on the Brain’s Reward System

The findings revealed that individuals who received CBD reported significantly lower alcohol cravings compared to the placebo group. Brain scans further showed reduced activity in the nucleus accumbens—the brain’s primary reward center—among those who took CBD.

Since lower activity in the NAc is associated with reduced alcohol cravings and a lower risk of relapse, these results suggest that CBD could play a key role in preventing alcohol dependence. Additionally, higher CBD concentrations in the blood correlated with reduced cravings and decreased NAc activation.

"Our study provides the first clear evidence that cannabidiol can reduce alcohol cravings and alter brain activity associated with addiction," explained Prof. Dr. Dr. Patrick Bach, head of the Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine research group at CIMH.

However, researcher Sina Vetter emphasized the need for further studies. "Additional research is required to determine whether these results can be generalized and whether CBD’s effects remain stable over time."

Next Steps: ICONICplus Study

Building on the findings of the ICONIC trial, the research team is now preparing a follow-up study, ICONICplus. This next phase will evaluate the benefits of combining CBD with naltrexone, an FDA-approved medication for alcohol addiction, to assess its effectiveness alongside established treatment methods.

Reference:
Zimmermann, S. et al. Acute cannabidiol administration reduces alcohol craving and cue-induced nucleus accumbens activation in individuals with alcohol use disorder: the double-blind randomized controlled ICONIC trial. Molecular Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02869-y

Source: Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit