Growing evidence suggests that gut-brain axis plays an integral role in regulating normal behavioral functions, as well as pathophysiological processes that underlie neuropsychiatric disorders and addiction. Ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone,” is part of the gut-brain axis, as it is mainly produced in the stomach and has known central functions. Several lines of research have demonstrated that ghrelin not only regulates appetite, feeding behavior, and metabolism, but is involved in the neurobiology of reward seeking, stress regulation, and addictive behaviors. This session will provide an overview of the basic and clinical evidence on the role of ghrelin in addictive behaviors and how such knowledge has led to ongoing clinical trials that target the ghrelin system as a potential pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder.

At the conclusion of this session, you will be able to:

1. Show the need to increase the armamentarium of pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder and describe the role of different elements of the gut-brain axis in alcohol seeking and consummatory behaviors; and,

2. Summarize studies outlining the role of ghrelin in alcohol craving, use, and other related outcomes and provide examples of ongoing efforts to target the ghrelin system as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder.