Canadian researchers, from 8 organizations ranging from academia to health clinics, conducted a Systematic Review to determine the reliability of CBD to treat those that suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).  AUD is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling drinking, a preoccupation with alcohol, continued use of alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when decreasing intake rapidly or abstaining from drinking.

The researchers identified 12 Studies that met the criteria for evaluation.  Out of the 12 studies, 8 were conducted on rodent models, 3 on healthy adults and 1 used cell cultures.  In the rodent and cell culture studies, CBD was found to exert a neuroprotective effect against adverse alcohol consequences on the hippocampus, an area of the brain believed to be the center of emotion, memory and the autonomic nervous system.  The study on rodents also showed that alcohol-induced steatosis, which is the abnormal retention of lipids within the liver, was lessened.  All of the studies showed that CBD reduced alcohol seeking, alcohol self-administration and withdrawal-induced convulsions.

Based on the collective findings from these studies, CBD is a promising pharmacotherapy, medical treatment by means of drugs, for Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD.   However, more studies with human participants are required to determine if the same positive outcomes transfer over and are clinically relevant.

The original research article discussed above can be read here.