The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, as a promising pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence: preclinical evidence

Several lines of preclinical evidence indicate the ability of the prototypic cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, to suppress various alcohol-related behaviors, including alcohol drinking and seeking behavior, and alcohol self-administration in rats and mice. Together, these data - synthetically reviewed in the present paper - suggest (a) the involvement of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the neural substrate controlling alcohol intake, alcohol reinforcement, and the motivational properties of alcohol, and (b) that rimonabant may constitute a new and potentially effective medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence.