Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a potential key to alleviating alcohol withdrawal symptoms by targeting the cerebellum. Their findings point toward new, more focused treatment options for those struggling with alcohol use disorder.
By focusing on a specific region of the brain, scientists at Washington State University (WSU) have identified a groundbreaking approach to alleviating the severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that often drive sufferers back to drinking. Their study, recently published in the journal Neuropharmacology, highlights the cerebellum — a brain region traditionally associated with motor control — as a promising target for new treatments aimed at reducing withdrawal symptoms.
“Our research suggests the cerebellum could be a promising therapeutic target to help people get through the most difficult stage of alcohol use disorder,” lead author Nadia McLean, a doctoral researcher in the Department of Integrative Physiology (IPN) at WSU, said in a news release.
The cerebellum contains half of the neurons in the brain and has long been understood to play a significant role in movement and coordination. However, emerging research, including this study, shows it also impacts emotional regulation, social engagement and even addiction.
In the study, the researchers employed two distinctive strategies on mice to explore how altering cerebellar function could mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
First, they used genetic tools to calm overactive cerebellar neurons, resulting in improved motor coordination.
“By targeting the cerebellum, we were able to ease both the physical motor discoordination and the emotional distress of withdrawal — the symptoms that so often drive people back to drinking,” McLean added.
Building on this approach, the team then administered a synthetic compound known as Compound 6, developed by chemists in Austria.
This compound specifically targets receptors found only in the cerebellum. When introduced to mice in withdrawal, it significantly reduced anxiety without impacting other brain functions or presenting a high risk of abuse.
“Compound 6 gave us a way to target the cerebellum without genetic modification,” added McLean. “That makes it a much more realistic option for therapy, and it suggests this part of the brain could be a powerful target for treating alcohol withdrawal.”
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects around 29 million Americans and is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Despite various available treatments, less than 20% of those diagnosed with AUD manage to maintain long-term sobriety.
Current treatments often focus on the brain’s reward centers, but McLean and her colleagues advocate for looking broader.
“Half the neurons in the brain are in the cerebellum,” added senior author David Rossi, an associate professor in IPN and McLean’s advisor. “It’s increasingly clear this region is involved in far more than just motor control — it plays a role in addiction, emotional regulation and even social engagement.”
While clinical trials in humans are necessary before Compound 6 can be considered as a viable treatment option, the research sets the stage for promising new approaches that could revolutionize AUD recovery.
“If we can take away the worst part of withdrawal, even temporarily, people may be better able to succeed with counseling or other long-term treatments for AUD,” Rossi added.
Source: Washington State University