Can Cannabidiol Help With Addictions And Withdrawals?
Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of treatment for various conditions. CBD oil may help with anxiety, chronic pain, and even epilepsy. But could CBD be an answer to addiction and withdrawal? There is some evidence that points to CBD being able to help those struggling with addiction overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol. CBD may also be able to lessen withdrawal symptoms for those coming off addictive substances. Danu takes a closer look below.
Addiction At A Glance
Addiction is a complex mental and physical condition that can be difficult to overcome. Drug and alcohol addiction can be incredibly challenging, as the substance becomes not only a crutch but also often a necessity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over 23 million people in the United States suffer from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Addiction can lead to numerous negative consequences, including health problems, financial difficulties, legal issues, and social isolation.
Addiction Treatments
Many different treatments for addiction are available, but most rely on behavioral therapies combined with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT involves using medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to help those struggling with addiction recover. While these treatments can be successful in some cases, they may not be the right choice for everyone. CBD could be a viable option for those struggling with addiction who are looking to stop using drugs or alcohol but cannot find success with traditional treatments.
Related Article: The Lesser Known Benefits Of CBD (Part 1)
Addiction And Mental Health
Addiction is often tied up with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder that lead some people to self-medicate using drugs or alcohol instead of seeking treatment for their condition. CBD could help address these underlying conditions so that those struggling with addiction don’t feel the need to turn towards substances like drugs or alcohol as an escape from their emotional pain. CBD has anti-anxiety properties and may even help with depression. CBD could ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the underlying psychological causes that lead someone into addiction in the first place.
How CBD May Work To Treat Addiction
CBD is known to affect many different brain functions and chemical processes in the body. For example, CBD influences receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates many essential bodily functions, including pain, moods, sleep cycles, immune response, and more. CBD also affects other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine that play a role in reward-seeking behaviors like substance abuse disorders. In addition, CBD’s anti-anxiety effects may help with stress, which can be a trigger for drug or alcohol use. CBD has also been shown to possess natural neuroprotective effects. Studies suggest CBD may even reduce the risk of relapse in those addicted to drugs or alcohol by making the mind feel more at ease and relaxed, thus less likely to reach for old habits.
How CBD May Help Lessen Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can be a significant obstacle for recovering from an addiction. CBD could potentially help ease these withdrawal symptoms and make quitting using drugs or alcohol easier. CBD binds with the CB receptors in your brain, which are involved in anxiety response. CBD may affect how much serotonin is released into your body, which can reduce stress levels and help you feel more relaxed.
Premium CBD May Provide Comfort
Danu Wellness understands the need for CBD that lives up to its reputation. All of our CBD is third-party lab-tested for efficacy, safety, and purity. We invite you to check our full selection here!