CBD and Addiction Recovery: What You Know and How It Works

Addiction is a complicated, harmful disorder that can affect a person’s mental, physical, and social abilities in a very obvious way. A drug has the potential to change your mental and physical conditions in such a way that a person gets prone to using it, or else it would get hard for the person in different situations. CBD and addiction recovery have been found to be very helpful when an individual is facing difficulty dealing with substance abuse withdrawal

 

Drug overdose deaths reached up to 93,000 in 2020 and are still on the rise. Considering these numbers, this is an alarming situation that needs to be looked at. So, if you believe you are also going through addiction and the withdrawals are unmanageable, then you should seek professional help from a certified healthcare team.

Nowadays, the majority of people and rehabilitation centers are now using CBD for recovery support because it has the potential to efficiently manage the serious withdrawals that can happen from being sober from substances. People have said that CBD helps with both the physical and mental effects of drug cravings, such as nausea and headaches.

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the cannabis sativa plant, which belongs to the cannabis plant family. CBD is a natural compound that isn’t psychoactive and won’t get you high. It is also well tolerated when it comes to CBD’s side effects. It can help with anxiety, PTSD, stress, insomnia, and inflammation from chronic pain, among other things. CBD is always found with another natural compound known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

THC contains psychoactive properties, which can get a person high. That’s why CBD products often contain a lower amount of tolerable THC or no THC at all in their products. Although a person should be careful when taking CBD dosage, one should start taking CBD slowly until it reaches their CBD tolerance. It also has the potential to test positive during a drug test. CBD and addiction recovery go hand in hand for many people who have used CBD with positive results in their rehabilitation.

Despite the presence of THC in CBD, it is important to note that the percentage of THC in CBD is very low, so it won’t affect your mental or physical health when you consume it.

CBD and Addiction Recovery: The History of CBD

Ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Egyptians, and Greeks have been using cannabidiol for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. These civilizations have been utilizing CBD for the treatment of many diseases. Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and scientists have been isolating CBD and studying its properties.

In 1960, an Israeli scientist named Raphael Mechoulam was able to figure out what the chemical structure of CBD was. A few decades later, in the late 1990s, scientists were also able to figure out what the endocannabinoid system was. It has been found that CBD is a key part of how the endocannabinoid system works and how it helps with other therapeutic benefits.

More research has revealed additional potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatories, pain management, natural remedies for opioid withdrawal, potent compounds for drug addiction treatment, beneficial compounds to improve sleep quality, and the ability to treat cancer in its early stages.

In this article, we will discuss how we can utilize CBD for addiction recovery and how CBD and alcohol can work for your body.

What is CBD?

CBD, which is also called cannabidiol, is a compound that grows naturally in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD has always coexisted with other natural compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. There are plenty of CBD benefits when it comes to therapeutic, mental, and psychological treatment.

The CBD for substance abuse has worked very well in treating withdrawals like alcohol withdrawal, opioid withdrawal, methadone withdrawal, etc. CBD acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, providing relief for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other medical conditions despite its ability to provide relief and healing, many rehabilitation centers are using CBD to treat addiction, but many people are still unaware of CBD’s benefits.

CBD and its legality issues vary from place to place. Due to the minor cannabidiol withdrawal effects, for example, in the US, CBD is legal, but only in organic CBD products that are derived from hemp and contain 0.2% of THC. In Europe, the legality issue of CBD might be unclear in some countries because they are unsure on the matter of CBD tolerance. So it is always suggested that you check out your country’s rules and policies related to organic CBD products.

CBD products are legal in Australia and Canada, but they can only be obtained with a prescription and from licensed distributors. Despite the fact that CBD has only recently come into the spotlight and has been under development regarding CBD and addiction recovery, it has been around for many years and has the potential to treat the majority of diseases and have incredible recovery support.

How Does CBD Work in Your Body?

Cannabidiol (CBD) works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). An endocannabinoid is a set of complex receptors, enzymes, and neuroreceptors that are distributed throughout your body. These receptors are responsible for maintaining your mood, appetite, and a variety of other functions in your body.

CBD and alcohol work very well because they alleviate a person’s mental and physical illnesses like anxiety, stress, and chronic pain inflammation by interacting with CB1 receptors in the ECS system; they block the CB1 receptors from breaking the enzymes into anandamide, which is a neurotransmitter called the “bliss molecule,” which is a type of high that is released when a person is involved in some sort of cardiovascular activity such as running, jogging, and jumping.

CBD also interacts with serotonin neurotransmitters, which help alleviate a person’s mood, make him less anxious, and aid other mental and chronic issues.

Difference between CBD and THC:

CBD and THC are most commonly and abundantly found when extracting them. THC levels in hemp plants, on the other hand, are lower than in cannabis sativa plants. Their molecular structures are also very similar, despite some differences in the chemical group. In CBD, there is a hydroxide group, and THC contains a complete ring pairing with oxygen.

As you can see in the image given above. One of the major differences between CBD and THC is how they affect neurotransmitters. THC’s psychoactive properties will usually make you feel high, which is what most people think of when they hear the word “cannabis.” The main reason for causing a “high” is because THC interacts with the CB1 receptors and helps break the anandamide enzymes, which is the main reason for causing a “high,” while on the other hand, when CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors, it blocks the receptors from breaking it down into anandamide. It also aids in the treatment of chronic pain inflammation, such as back pain and muscle pain, by reducing stress and anxiety.

Because of THC’s psychoactive properties, a slew of legal issues has emerged. THC is a controlled substance in many countries, which is why it can cause legal issues if a person is found to be consuming CBD products. This is all because many countries are uncertain when it comes to the CBD side effects, although cannabidiol withdrawal is still under observation and organizations have been working on it to make CBD tolerable to every individual with complex diseases.

Benefits of Using CBD:

If we see CBD for its medicinal purpose, then it provides an impressive amount of therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC, which is the main compound in marijuana responsible for getting people “high.” Some of the possible therapeutic CBD benefits are less pain and inflammation, less anxiety and depression, and a better night’s sleep.

 

• • CBD helps alleviate both acute and chronic pain because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and nourish chronic pain. The best CBD products to use to treat inflamed areas are CBD infused topicals, in which you have to apply the CBD massage cream directly onto the inflamed area in order to feel the difference in pain.

• • CBD also appears to be neuroprotective, alleviating the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

• • CBD for substance abuse has also been found to be very helpful in treating withdrawal symptoms. Opioid, Xanax, and hydrocodone withdrawals, as well as alcohol withdrawals and withdrawals from a variety of other medications, all fall under this category. CBD can help speed up the recovery from these and other addictions.

• • If you’re having issues getting sleep at night or waking up multiple times during the night, then taking CBD will definitely help you, as it helps to release melatonin, which relaxes your body and provides high quality sleep.

 

Definition of Addiction

Addiction is a chronic condition that induces relapse even though the addict is clearly aware of the negative effects of continuing drug abuse. Changes in brain function and behavior can result from the effects of several genetic, environmental, and social pressures, all of which contribute to the development of addiction. Addiction is not limited to drugs, alcohol, or even specific activities like gambling or video gaming.

Substance abuse disorder is characterized by a lack of ability to limit one’s drug use despite negative consequences. These may include troubles with one’s physical or mental health, struggling with relationships, and success at work or university.

In terms of recovering from addiction, CBD and addiction recovery have become more common because of the fruitful results that CBD and alcohol, anxiety treatment, methadone withdrawal treatment, hydrocodone and CBD, and CBD for opiate withdrawal have proven to be some of the most successful strategies to achieve complete addiction recovery.

According to the American Association of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a “primary, chronic disorder of brain reward, motivation, memory, and linked circuits” (ASAM). This concept emphasizes the importance of the brain in addiction, since chemicals that are highly addictive can alter the brain’s reward system, resulting in altered behavior and decision making.

Anyone battling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or facing difficulties with opioid withdrawals should know that they are not alone and that there are numerous effective strategies to help them. While there is no “magic bullet” for treating addiction, those who persevere in their search for the best method for them often find success with time, dedication, and the correct resources.

 

Cause of Addictions:

Addiction is thought to be one of the most complicated diseases that keeps coming back, and there are many possible causes and reasons for it. There are plenty of drug addiction treatments, such as rehabilitations and the use of CBD in addiction recovery, but first, here are some of the top reasons that can contribute to the cause of addiction:

 

1. 1. Some reliable studies show that genes play a big role in how someone is likely to become addicted to drugs. According to studies, individuals with a family history of substance addiction or who have struggled with addiction treatment recovery have a significant influence on the current individual due to their genetically developed immunity and lives lived under the influence of substance addiction.

1. 1. A lot of social pressures, such as stress, trauma, and peer pressure, can also increase the risk of addiction because many people use alcohol and drugs to cope with psychological stress and trauma.

1. 1. The release of dopamine, which results in the feeling of pleasure and reward, is another way that substance abuse can negatively affect the brain reward system.

1. 1. Consistent use of any substance may cause a change in the brain’s chemical system, and the reward system will adapt to it, leading to dependence, substance addiction, and an even higher level of tolerance, which in turn causes more substances to be used to feel the same level of reward.

1. 1. The sort of culture that accepts drug addiction and its plentiful availability are two of the key reasons that are also causes of addiction.

Effects of Addiction on the Body

Abusing drugs can hurt the body in a lot of different ways. It can slowly poison the body and often cause severe long-term damage. Some of the physical effects of addiction are damage to the kidneys and liver, a higher chance of having a heart stroke, a higher chance of getting certain types of cancer, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and a weaker immune system. The effects can be both long-term and short-term.

 

Short-term effects of substance addiction:

 

• • Substance addiction can cause impaired judgment and difficulty making decisions. Drug addiction can alter an individual’s brain chemistry, impairing their ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. It can also change cognitive and behavioral patterns, affecting an individual’s ability to respond appropriately in different situations.

• • Often individuals suffering with opioid addiction can be diagnose with respiratory problems which depresses breathing and causes respiratory problems

• • Other side effects include nausea and vomiting, a loss of appetite, insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, unstable heart rates and blood pressure, and so on.

Long-term effects of substance addiction:

 

• • increased risk of infectious diseases such as AIDS/HIV and hepatitis C, which is likely caused because a person’s immunity gets weak due to drug addiction, as well as an increased risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and mental health problems.

• • Substance abuse also causes long term mental and cognitive impairments such as brain hemorrhage and damage, loss of concentration and memory, impaired motor functions, depression, and anxiety.

• • Sexual dysfunction, reproductive problems, and so on

Current Treatments for Addiction:

There are many different kinds of substance abuse treatments that can help people who are suffering from it get clean. These treatments include medication and mental health therapy that also provides recovery support, which depends on how bad the drug addiction is.

Detoxification:

The complete and removal of drug addictive from the users is called detoxification. Different types of addiction treatments, like alcohol addiction treatments, heroin addiction treatments, and opioid detox, are generally known by different names for detoxification. The best example of detoxification would be the use of CBD and alcohol, as CBD helps in reducing cravings and stress and acts as an antidepressant.

It can be done as an outpatient or inpatient under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Medication and counseling can help people cope with withdrawal’s psychological effects. In addition, CBD for addiction recovery is also used to lessen the pain of alcohol withdrawal, making it an invaluable aid to recovery from treatment

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies help people deal with their addiction and avoid relapse by changing the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are at the root of the problem. CBD is also used to reduce addictive cravings. Some methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mental health therapy, and recovery support, are utilized to aid in the withdrawal process

 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment:

Dual diagnosis treatment is a type of addiction treatment that helps with both the addiction and a mental health problem, like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, that are happening at the same time. It involves addiction withdrawal medication, mental health therapy, lifestyle changes, and recovery support groups. It can help individuals achieve recovery from both their addiction and their mental health condition and provide them with the tools and support they need to maintain recovery over the long term.

 

How Does CBD Help with Addiction Recovery?

There are a lot of benefits of CBD for addiction, which treats a lot of mental and physical problems, such as stress, bipolar behavior, anxiety, chronic muscle pain, and inflammation from chronic pain, as well as helping in recovery from severe drug addiction.

To begin with, a lot of substance abuse treatment centers have started using CBD to treat addiction. CBD aids in the management of addiction withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which can lead to relapse. It accomplishes this by relieving stress and anxiety, thereby keeping you on the road to addiction recovery.

Second, CBD may help cut down on drug cravings, which can be a big reason why people go back to using drugs. In one study, people who were addicted to heroin were able to cut down on their drug cravings. This suggests that CBD could be used to treat opioid detox.

Lastly, CBD may also help with things like anxiety treatment, depression, and chronic pain that can be a cause of addiction. By making it easier to deal with these symptoms, CBD may help people use drugs or alcohol less as a way to cope.

However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBD for addiction recovery and that it should always be used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as mental health therapy and medication-assisted treatment. Additionally, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using CBD as a non-addictive treatment option or any other supplement as part of addiction recovery.

Addiction recovery with CBD for opioid abuse

Opioid Epidemic in the US

 

In the United States, people, families, and communities all over the country have been devastated by the opioid epidemic. Overdose deaths and drug-related illnesses like HIV and hepatitis C have skyrocketed as a result. More broadly, the opioid epidemic has aggravated social and economic issues and added to the burden on healthcare systems.

People were frequently given opioid prescriptions to alleviate pain, but many of them developed tolerances and addictions, leading them to only seek relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms with heroin, phentermine, and hydrocodone.

Restricting access to prescription opioids, streamlining the recovery process, and addressing root causes of addiction like poverty, trauma, and isolation are all part of the fight against the opioid crisis. Even with all of these efforts, the opioid epidemic is still a major threat to public health in the United States.

How CBD Can Aid Opioid Addiction

CBD is one of those cannabinoids for which research is still in progress to study the CBD tolerance and find out the perfect general CBD dosage for every individual. However, CBD is extremely beneficial for opiate withdrawal recovery, such as heroin addiction treatment or substance abuse treatment.

Even though CBD still requires more research and has legality issues in a lot of countries because those countries refer to it as a “controlled substance,” it contains no psychoactive properties. On the other hand, CBD contains anti-anxiety properties and aids in the treatment of various types of chronic pain and inflammation.

CBD may help treat opioid addiction in a number of ways, but one of the most important ways is by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. CBD’s anti-anxiety properties suggest it may mitigate the distress and agony associated with opiate detoxification. Cannabidiol may also be able to lessen the intensity of opioid cravings, which can make it easier for people to resist the urge to use opioids.

CBD is a very helpful part of treatment for hydrocodone and opioid addictions because it can reduce both withdrawal symptoms and cravings and keep users from relapsing. CBD may also treat other chronic pain and stress, which generally lead to hydrocodone and opioid relapse, as it reacts with the person’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and provides nourishment for the hydrocodone and other opioid cravings.

Studies and Research on CBD Effectiveness on Opioid Addiction:

 

1. 1. “Cannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety in Drug-Abstinent Individuals With Heroin Use Disorder: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial” This study was conducted by Yasmin L. Hurd and colleagues and published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2019. The study found that CBD reduced cue-induced cravings and anxiety in individuals with heroin use disorder. Here is the link to the study:

1. 1. “CBD modulation of fear memory processing: behavioral evidence from a Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm” This study was conducted by C. Stern and colleagues and published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2019. The study found that CBD reduced fear memory processing and could potentially be used to treat PTSD in individuals with opioid addiction. Here is the link to the study:

1. 1. “Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence”: This study was conducted by S. Hindocha and colleagues and published in the Current Addiction Reports in 2020. The study reviewed existing literature on CBD and addictive behaviors and found that CBD may be effective in reducing the symptoms of opioid addiction. Here is the link to the study:

How CBD can be used as an adjunct addiction treatment

Multiple current treatments for opioid addiction can benefit from the use of CBD for addiction recovery. Initially, CBD showed a promising effect on the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Due to its calming and sleep-inducing effects, CBD may be helpful for those going through opiate withdrawal.

The anti-inflammatory properties discovered in CBD for opioid withdrawal are also one of the most successful treatments against drug addiction, particularly with sore muscles. The second possible benefit of CBD is a decrease in opioid cravings. CBD has been shown to lessen the drug concentration in animal and human studies of opioid addiction. It has been hypothesized that using CBD to treat addiction has shown a change in brain chemistry back to its normal state.
Last but not least, CBD might make it less likely for people who are addicted to opioids to relapse. CBD has been shown to reduce drug-seeking behavior and may help keep bad drug memories from coming back. This could make it easier for people to stay clean after they finish treatment for opioid addiction.

CBD has shown promise as a supplement to current treatments for drug addiction, but it’s important to know about the risks and side effects. Some people may have CBD withdrawal symptoms when they stop using CBD after using it often.

The addition of CBD to existing treatments for opioid addiction shows promise. Medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy are two examples of effective treatments that this does not replace. Under the supervision of a medical expert, CBD should be used only as part of a complete treatment plan.

Alcoholism:

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a long term disease that makes a person more likely to consume alcohol. People who are addicted to alcohol often tend to lose control over their alcohol consumption, which causes lethal damage to their physical, mental, and social lives. A person can’t drive a car properly when drunk and can’t make quick decisions in a crucial situation. There will be an increase in the delay in responsiveness and a loss in a person’s reflexes. An employed person can also lose his or her job due to a lack of performance in their job. Most importantly, the person’s liver would be damaged, making it difficult for the body to perform other tasks. At that time, what the person needs most is mental health therapy and recovery support.

Alcohol addiction effects also depend on a person’s genetics, environment, and psychological factors like mental stress, anxiety, and depression, which later lead to never ending alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These are potential causes of getting into alcohol addiction. The availability of alcohol in society and peer pressure are also some of the potential causes of alcohol addiction.

Mental health therapy and the integration of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy are the mainstays of treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. CBD for addiction recovery is also used in pharmacotherapy, and studies have shown that CBD reduces stress and anxiety, which helps with the cravings for alcohol consumption.

Studies and Research on the Effects of CBD on Alcohol Addiction:

 

1. 1. “Cannabidiol reduces alcohol cravings and anxiety in humans,” was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Read more.

1. 1. “Cannabidiol attenuates the rewarding effects of ethanol via CB1 modulation in mice,” published in Psychopharmacology: Read More

1. 1. “Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive part of cannabis, reduces vomiting and nausea-like behavior via indirect agonism of 5-HT-1A somatodendritic auto receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus,” according to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology: Read More.

1. 1. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry published a study called “Cannabidiol for the treatment of cannabis use disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Read More

CBD and Alcohol Withdrawal: CBD’s Role in Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Cannabidiol, a part of cannabis that doesn’t make you high, may help people who are addicted to alcohol. CBD is not a treatment, but research shows that it may help with treatments for alcoholism. Due to CBD might want to drink less. A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that CBD for addiction recovery can help a lot with drinking less. CBD also made people feel less anxious, which may have made them drink less alcohol.

CBD may also protect the liver from alcohol. In a Free Radical Biology and Medicine study, CBD protected the liver from alcohol damage. This suggests that CBD may reduce some of the health risks of excessive alcohol consumption. CBD may also ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Neurotoxicity research found that CBD reduced anxiety and seizures in alcohol-addicted animals. These findings suggest that using CBD and alcohol have a lot of positive effects in treating alcohol withdrawals. More study is necessary to support this, though.

From what we know so far, CBD for alcohol addiction treatment may be a good option, but we still need to do more research. As well, there are also CBD and alcohol withdrawal effects, but they are at a minor level and won’t affect a person’s health at all. CBD can reduce cravings, protect the liver, and ease withdrawal symptoms for people addicted to alcohol, making it a potential help for their recovery.

 

CBD and Addiction Recovery—Conclusion

 

• • In this article, we will discuss how we can utilize CBD for addiction recovery and how CBD and alcohol can work for your body.

• • On the other hand, CBD contains anti-anxiety properties and aids in the treatment of various types of chronic pain and inflammation.

• • The study reviewed existing literature on CBD and addictive behaviors and found that CBD may be effective in reducing the symptoms of opioid addiction.

• • CBD is not a treatment, but research shows that it may help with treatments for alcoholism.

• • By reducing cravings, protecting the liver, and easing withdrawal symptoms, CBD could potentially assist individuals who are addicted to alcohol.

My Thoughts:

My general thoughts on CBD and alcohol or CBD and addiction recovery withdrawals are that it can be tough and challenging for those who are reading this while suffering from one of the addictions mentioned above. But the will to never give up is more powerful than those sickening drugs and substances. Although utilizing CBD for substance abuse is also a great way to get rid of the substance abuse as it speeds up the recovery process and greatly reduces the cravings,

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. “Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” Christian D. Larson

This is one of my favorite quotes, as it helped me a lot in many situations, whether I was getting sober from alcoholic abuse or whenever my business was facing difficulties. It reminds me to have faith in myself, knowing that the difficulties I’m facing now will bring fruitful results in the future. So to my readers: NEVER GIVE UP!

Get expert guidance before attempting to use CBD for the treatment of an addiction.Talk to your doctor or addiction specialist about using CBD because it may interact with other medications or therapies. Keep in mind that while CBD has shown promising effects in treating addiction, it is not a panacea and may not be suited for everyone. Consult a trained expert to better understand your condition and its potential treatments and make better decisions.