Cannabidiol as an Adjunct Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal and Craving
Johns Hopkins University
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in cannabis (marijuana) has been shown to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms in laboratory animals. In people without alcohol use disorder (AUD), CBD has been show to be effective in reducing anxiety, sleep problems, and seizures; all of these are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the potential of CBD to improve alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce craving during acute abstinence among individuals with moderate-to-severe AUD. Adult participants with moderate-to-severe AUD will be admitted to an inpatient research unit at the Johns Hopkins Hospital for a 5-day, 4-night stay that includes alcohol abstinence with management of their alcohol withdrawal. In addition to standard care, participants will receive CBD or placebo (no CBD), complete assessments of withdrawal, sleep quality and provide breath and blood samples.
Description
Alcohol withdrawal during acute abstinence represents a major health threat to millions of individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD): it has been associated with complications in patients admitted for medically supervised withdrawal including seizures and delirium tremens (the latter of which can be fatal if not managed appropriately) and can interfere with treatment efforts. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) represent the first-line treatments for control of alcohol withdrawal, yet higher doses of benzodiazepines required to manage more complicated withdrawal cases incr…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria * Meets DSM-5 criteria Moderate or Severe Alcohol Use Disorder * Age 21-65 * Report at least one prior episode of alcohol withdrawal symptoms at least one day in duration that caused significant impairment in functioning (i.e., unable to attend work or engage in typical activities) AND/OR required medications to manage symptoms. * Drinking at least 8 drinks a day over the two weeks prior to screening. * Negative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on qualitative urine pregnancy screen * Shipley vocabulary score \> 18, corresponding to 5th grade reading level. * Demonstrated…
Interventions
- DrugCannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol
- DrugPlacebo
placebo
Location
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research UnitBaltimore, Maryland