A systematic review of 26 studies found that FAAH, the enzyme that degrades the endocannabinoid anandamide, appears to play a meaningful role in the biology and characteristics of alcohol use disorder.
Readers interested in the intersection of the endocannabinoid system and alcohol addiction, or those curious about why treating one substance use issue might involve pathways shared with cannabis.
26 studies reviewed
What the researchers found
FAAH inhibition showed promise for reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and reinstatement of alcohol intake. However, decreased FAAH activity was also linked to reduced sensitivity to alcohol and increased preference and consumption.
Why it matters
The endocannabinoid system is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic target for addiction. Understanding how FAAH modulation affects alcohol-related behaviors could lead to new pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder.
The numbers in context
224 records screened; 26 studies included; FAAH inhibition associated with reduced withdrawal symptoms but also increased alcohol preference in some preclinical models
How the study worked
Systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. From 224 initial records, 26 primary research studies were included for qualitative synthesis after removing duplicates (37%), off-topic articles (47%), and non-primary research (4%).
What this study cannot tell us
Qualitative synthesis only, no meta-analysis. Most included studies were preclinical. Limited human data on FAAH inhibitors for alcohol use disorder.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review with qualitative synthesis, but limited to preclinical evidence with few human studies.
When this study was published
Published in 2021; research on FAAH and alcohol use disorder continues to evolve.
The bigger picture
This review highlights a double-edged sword: blocking FAAH may ease withdrawal but could also increase the drive to drink. The findings underscore why targeting the endocannabinoid system for addiction treatment requires careful, context-specific approaches.
Questions still open
- Could FAAH inhibitors be effective specifically during the withdrawal phase while being counterproductive during active drinking? What are the optimal dosing windows for FAAH-targeted interventions?
Common questions
What is FAAH?
Could FAAH inhibitors treat alcohol addiction?
How does this relate to cannabis?
Read the original research
Contribution of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase to Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 6(2), 105-118
Citation
Niemela, Greta; Terry, Garth E. (2021). Contribution of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase to Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 6(2), 105-118. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0158
Explore the wider topic
- Physical vs Psychological Cannabis Dependence: What Science Actually Shows
- The Gap Between Cannabis Perception and Science: Why What We Believe Outpaces What We Know
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Am I Addicted? Self-Assessment Guide
- Cross-Addiction After Quitting Weed: When One Habit Replaces Another
- Is Weed Addictive? What the Research Actually Shows
- Is Cannabis Addictive? What the DSM-5 and Brain Science Say
- Quitting Weed and Alcohol Together: What to Know About Dual Cessation
- Is Rehab Necessary for Weed? An Honest Assessment
- Signs You May Have Cannabis Use Disorder: An Honest Self-Assessment
- Weed Vape Pen Addiction: Why Vaping Makes It Harder to Quit