Does the enzyme that breaks down anandamide play a role in alcohol use disorder?
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
224 records screened; 26 studies included; FAAH inhibition associated with reduced withdrawal symptoms but also increased alcohol preference in some preclinical models
How They Did This
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%).
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Qualitative synthesis only, no meta-analysis. Most included studies were preclinical. Limited human data on FAAH inhibitors for alcohol use disorder.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 26 studies reviewed
- Evidence Grade:
- Systematic review with qualitative synthesis, but limited to preclinical evidence with few human studies.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2021; research on FAAH and alcohol use disorder continues to evolve.
- Original Title:
- Contribution of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase to Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review.
- Published In:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 6(2), 105-118 (2021)
- Authors:
- Niemela, Greta, Terry, Garth E
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03383
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is FAAH?
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, one of the body's own endocannabinoids. Its activity levels influence endocannabinoid signaling in the brain.
Could FAAH inhibitors treat alcohol addiction?
Preclinical studies suggest FAAH inhibition may reduce withdrawal symptoms like anxiety. However, it may also reduce sensitivity to alcohol and increase intake, making the therapeutic window complex.
How does this relate to cannabis?
Anandamide, the molecule FAAH breaks down, activates the same CB1 receptors that THC targets. This shared pathway suggests the endocannabinoid system influences multiple substance use patterns.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03383APA
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
MLA
Niemela, Greta, et al. "Contribution of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase to Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0158
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Contribution of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase to Alcohol Use Di..." RTHC-03383. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/niemela-2021-contribution-of-fatty-acid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.