CBD for alcohol dependence: how it may calm the brain’s fear center
Official title: Elucidating the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Alcohol Dependence: Targeting Neuroadaptations in the Basolateral Amygdala
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11039612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether cannabidiol (CBD) can help people with alcohol dependence by changing brain signals in the basolateral amygdala during withdrawal and after stopping drinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $190,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA032100-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039612 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with alcohol use disorder experiencing withdrawal or attempting abstinence who may benefit from novel therapies in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without alcohol use disorder or those not experiencing withdrawal or abstinence phases may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will explore how CBD affects brain cells and molecules involved in alcohol withdrawal and early abstinence. Researchers will look at how CBD changes signaling between GABA and glutamate neurons in the basolateral amygdala, and how it influences brain activity markers and cannabinoid receptors. They will use animal models to study both acute withdrawal and longer-term abstinence, with techniques that measure electrical activity, gene expression, and protein markers. The goal is to understand if CBD can modulate brain adaptations that contribute to craving and withdrawal symptoms, potentially guiding future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to CBD-based approaches to ease withdrawal symptoms and support abstinence in alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animals suggests CBD can modulate brain changes related to alcohol effects, but human data are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kallupi, Marsida — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kallupi, Marsida
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.