There is new research suggesting that a component in cannabis could help combat this problem and prevent relapse.
Addiction is a powerful disease that strikes across every known demographic group. The devastation that substance abuse causes to its sufferers and their loved ones is immeasurable, but the good news is that some people are able to recover.
One of the biggest challenges facing an alcoholic or addict in early recovery is that of cravings. There is new research suggesting that a component in cannabis could help combat this problem and prevent relapse.
What is CDB?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is just one of at least 113 active cannabinoids that are present in cannabis. CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, such as those found in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is considered safe in humans with studied doses up to 1,500 mg per day given orally or 30 mg intravenously.
CBD has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including inflammation, pain, and epilepsy. Some small studies have even explored using CBD to treat addiction to marijuana and tobacco. A recent study, however, further explores using the substance to treat other types of addiction.
Related Topic: Marijuana addiction treatment
Can CDB Be Used as an Effective Addiction Treatment?
A study just released in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology reveals that CBD could be an effective addiction treatment. Researchers studied the effects of CBD on drug relapse in rats. Specifically, they focused on rats who had previously been given daily doses of alcohol or cocaine and who exhibited addictive behaviors such as impulsivity and anxiety.
The same rats were then given a dose of gel containing CBD injected into their skin. Three days after receiving the CBD, the brains and blood of the rats were found to be clear of cocaine and alcohol. Researchers followed-up five months later and found that, even when exposed to stress, the subjects had reduced rates of relapse.
This is just a single study, and the use of marijuana in addiction treatment is still under debate. CBD has also been found to be an effective treatment for pain, which can be another relapse trigger for people with substance use disorders. This is particularly the case with anyone who has become addicted to opioids after starting their use for a pain issue.
Where to Turn When You Need Addiction Treatment
When you want to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, it is difficult to know where to turn. If you have a substance abuse disorder, you know that quitting on your own is not a scenario that is likely to find much success. The good news that you do not have to do this alone.
The Recovery Village has helped countless people just like you break free from the bonds of addiction. Our comprehensive and holistic drug and alcohol treatment programs approach each client as an individual, and we want to help you succeed in your recovery. Our San Francisco drug and Alcohol resources help individuals across the nation. Contact us now to learn about how we can help you find a new way to live that is free from the bonds of addiction.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.