This article by Madeline Taylor was originally published at SundayScaries.com on June 25, 2018. It is being republished here with the publisher’s permission through syndication.
CBD is the abbreviation denoted for Cannabidiol, a +c natural compound present in hemp and cannabis plants. It is majorly extracted for consumption due to its positive health benefits that include relief from:
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain and so much more.
CBD is legal in most states, unlike the other sister compound THC which is illegal. Arguments for Its legalization was mostly centered around its ability for not causing any cognitive impairment and the fact that it is non-psychoactive.
Can CBD help with addiction?
Consumption of this compound is better than any other as it does not get you ‘high.’ Additionally, it can help you:
- Stay focused
- Relieve tension
- Minimize tendencies of paranoia
Research findings show that cannabidiol can be used to prevent relapse in addicts and alcoholics.
How CBD helps to prevent relapses
Many people struggle with addiction and staying sober which in many cases is the reason for relapsing in the first place. On most occasions, relapses are caused by a variety of factors that include anxiety and being in an environment that encourages alcohol use.
Despite programs like AA and NA dedicating their time to assist addicts by showing them how to cope without their poison of choice as well as teaching them how to avoid environments that expose victims to drinking, sometimes, more is needed. That is why it is often a better idea to have some kind of medication that can help addicts achieve their ‘staying clean’ mission.
While safe medication may be ideal, in most cases it is better to remove or reduce the urge to drink or use entirely.
A 2012 anti-anxiety study, using animal models of anxiety and health volunteers revealed an anxiolytic-like effect of CBD. This further showed that when the compound was used on patients with social anxiety disorders, a reduction of anxiety was noted.
Thus, patients with different:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic disorder
Can all effectively have CBD prescribed to help them deal with this condition effectively and more therapeutically?
CBD can help curb cravings
Long-term consumption of alcohol can cause severe brain damage thus the perfect treatment option for recovering alcoholics is CBD. The more often you drink, the more your brain begins to register and label alcohol as a ‘need’ hence the beginning of cravings for it. CBD can curb your cravings by calming your brain activity making it easier for you to resist the temptation of taking a bottle of beer even if the body is dying for it.
Besides, the compound can also be beneficial; CBD protects the brain from further damage. This is according to research on rodent models with alcohol-induced brain damage. The findings showed that when the gel was applied, or CBD injections are given, the brain damage that was already occurring stopped.
How to take CBD for alcohol withdrawals
CBD helps in making alcoholics sober, if your loved one is in the beginning stages of the habit, all the headaches, pains, nausea and anxiety can be treated with the oil.
In cases of alcohol dependency, it is highly recommended that the victims go for therapy or meetings because they need a support system around them; a system consisting of people who know exactly what they are going through. Additionally, the victims can delve into new hobbies as a form of medication.
Though each medication has guidelines on its usage, CBD can be taken at high doses. However, you have to consult your doctor before using CBD if you happen to be on other forms of medication.
Tips on how alcoholics can stay sober
If you are on the verge of beating your addiction or staying sober, you will want to do everything to avoid a relapse. Though you may think a relapse is the last thing that can ever happen, the truth of the matter is that it is common for people new to recovery.
Relapse usually occurs because you don’t recognize the warning signs. It usually happens long before you begin drinking again. The main reason is maintaining the same routine, environment and not making any changes in your circumstances that make it easy to slip back. Consider these tips to stay sober:
- Make necessary changes: You need to give your habits a complete makeover. They say, ‘bad company corrupts good morals,’ you cannot continue keeping your friends who still do drugs and drink like the world is coming to an end. Develop a drug-free lifestyle to maintain the course of quitting the addiction. It is even better to make new friends who are on the same path to help you with the healing process. Additionally, you can join a support group and take part in the fellowship to develop a structured life.
- Form healthy relationships: Since you are trying to quit drugs, your relationships matter a lot. Do not maintain the friends who were drinking associates or even employers who have been enabling you without your knowledge. Consider developing healthy relationships with low chances of relapsing.
- Be physically active: Consumption of alcohol for an extended period of time affects a person’s life. Do more exercise and recreational activities to reduce stress and avoid relapse. Being physically active restores a sense of balance in your life. You should also consider coming up with a better nutrition plan and increased exercise that will improve your overall health.
- Stay cool, calm and collected: Many alcoholics have a problem dealing with anger. It is important for you to learn how to manage your anger in ways that don’t cause harm to yourself or people near you.
- Deal with past mistakes: Addiction carries with it many regrets. However, the damages you caused in the past are not important; concentrate on the future. Try to maintain a sober lifestyle by taking the necessary steps to clean up the mistakes of your past life and begin to live a new life.
- Learn not to depend on alcohol as an outlet: Try to learn different, healthier ways of dealing with situations as opposed to turning to the bottle. You could choose to pick up a hobby whenever you feel like drinking. Replace your drinking habit with an activity that you can stick to and maintain to avoid the relapse.
If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, taking the right medication, exercising and couple those with CBD, you may very well have a better chance of beating your addiction and preventing any relapse incidences.
More on this topic: How Can CBD Help Elderly People?