Modulating the endocannabinoid system in alcohol use disorder: A translational systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and human studies

Abstract Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition with a staggering global burden and yet limited pharmacological treatments. Convergent evidence implicates the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a potential therapeutic target due to its broad regulatory role across reward, stress, and affective processes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 63 preclinical and human studies evaluating ECS modulators for AUD. Preclinical studies were synthesized by mechanism of action, and meta-analyses were conducted for cannabinoid receptor (CB-1R) antagonists and inverse