Can aripiprazole (Abilify) help with cannabis craving?

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Dainyal Siddiqui, MD

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Manuel Jimenez, MD

Cardiology

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Franz Pierre-Louis, MD

Infectious Disease

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Last updated: May 5, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Aripiprazole may be considered to help reduce cannabis cravings, with a recommended starting dose of 5-10mg daily, as it has shown potential in stabilizing dopamine signaling in the brain's reward system, although evidence is limited and it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider specializing in addiction medicine 1. When considering the use of aripiprazole for cannabis craving, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and side effects. The medication works as a partial dopamine agonist, which can help normalize the reward pathways disrupted by cannabis use. However, the evidence for its effectiveness in reducing cannabis cravings is based on a single study with a small sample size, and the quality of evidence is rated as low 1. Some key points to consider when using aripiprazole for this purpose include:

  • Typical dosing may start at 5-10mg daily, with potential increases to 15mg daily based on response and tolerability.
  • Side effects can include restlessness, weight changes, and sedation.
  • Aripiprazole should be used in conjunction with counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or support groups for optimal effectiveness.
  • The decision to use aripiprazole for cannabis craving should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider specializing in addiction medicine, taking into account the individual's specific situation and medical history. It's also important to note that the study providing evidence for aripiprazole's potential in reducing cannabis cravings was focused on maintaining abstinence from alcohol, and the results may not be directly applicable to cannabis use disorders 1. Nevertheless, given the limited available evidence, aripiprazole may be a viable option for some individuals struggling with cannabis cravings, particularly when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

From the Research

Cannabis Use Disorder and Aripiprazole

  • There is limited direct evidence on the use of aripiprazole for cannabis craving, but some studies suggest that antipsychotic medication may decrease cannabis use and craving in patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) and psychosis 2.
  • Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic drug that has been shown to be effective in treating schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, with a beneficial profile in terms of low potential for body weight gain 3.
  • However, the use of aripiprazole for CUD is not well-established, and more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in this population.

Pharmacological Treatments for CUD

  • Several pharmacological treatments have been studied for CUD, including nabilone, topiramate, and fatty-acid amyl hydroxylase inhibitors, which have shown promise in reducing cannabis use 4.
  • Gabapentin has been shown to reduce cannabis cravings, while vilazodone has been found to worsen craving severity 4.
  • Antipsychotic medication, such as aripiprazole, may be useful in reducing cannabis use and craving in patients with CUD and psychosis, but more research is needed to confirm this 2.

Psychosocial Treatments for CUD

  • Psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management, are currently the most effective strategy for treating CUD 2, 5.
  • These treatments can be effective in reducing cannabis use and improving treatment outcomes, but may be limited in their effectiveness when comorbid with psychosis or other mental health disorders 2.

References

5
Research

Interventions for cannabis use disorder.

Current opinion in psychology, 2021

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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