Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabis
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cannabis has been investigated as a potential adjunct in the treatment of alcoholism, primarily in the context of harm reduction and as a substitute therapy. Emerging scientific evidence, though limited and preliminary, suggests that cannabis may help reduce alcohol consumption in some individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Several observational studies have reported that some individuals intentionally substitute cannabis for alcohol to reduce alcohol-related harms. For example, a 2014 survey published in Alcohol and Alcoholism found that medical cannabis users reported using cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, citing fewer adverse side effects and better symptom management. A 2019 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry summarized evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies, noting that cannabinoid compounds might reduce alcohol intake and relapse in animal models, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking.

However, the overall quality of evidence is low. Most data come from self-reported surveys and retrospective studies, which are subject to bias. There are currently no large, well-controlled clinical trials definitively demonstrating that cannabis is effective or safe as a primary treatment for alcoholism. Furthermore, concerns remain about the potential for cannabis dependence, cognitive effects, and interactions with alcohol. Leading addiction medicine organizations do not currently recommend cannabis as a standard treatment for alcoholism due to insufficient evidence.

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