Can CBD Products Help With Addiction? – Latest cannabis news today

As the pandemic continues to spread, drug and alcohol abuse has skyrocketed.

As new COVID-19 variants surface, people are unsure of what the future holds for their jobs, health, relationships, and financial status. The pandemic has created a global mental health crisis. With continued social distancing and the decreasing number of medical staff, people have taken matters into their own hands through self-medication with drugs and / or alcohol.

While this may seem like a temporary solution to some, it adds to another problem politicians and health advocates have been fighting for decades: the war on drugs. In the United States alone, drugs, especially opioids, have increased and have caused high rates of substance abuse and overdoses over the past two decades. And since many people recovering from an addiction run out of options for a drug-free lifestyle, research has pointed to another holistic option: cannabis.

Cannabis is booming in the wellness industry. With thousands of products infused with CBD, experts are slowly discovering the beneficial effects CBD can have on opioid and heroin addicts. Although cannabis is becoming increasingly popular, it has a checkered history.

Since the late 1980s, many people have been exposed to the “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” era. TV commercials that combine a frying pan and an egg are convincing the world of the evils of drugs. Weed was also known as a gateway drug that would get you to explore other drugs like cocaine, LSD, and heroin. This is why so many consumers are still scared of using CBD / THC in their wellness regimen while the stigma lingers. But with legalization spreading across continents, researchers and scientists are realizing the positive benefits cannabis could have for those battling drug addiction.

How do CBD products help heroin or opioid addicts?

Research shows that our endocannabinoid system plays a big role in why cannabis can help with certain addictions. But first we need to go deeper and ask how to get addicted?

When it comes to recovery from addiction, the drug emits a “feel good signal” as soon as it gets into the brain. This sends signals to the brain to crave more of the “feel good hormone” (or dopamine), which can make withdrawal unbearable for recovering addicts. CBD has been up for discussion when it comes to recovery from addiction because of our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS receptors can allow for an easy transition as CBD is not rewarding and can mediate the responses of people recovering from an addiction.

Although research and information is still being discovered, CBD may offer a potential treatment that is less harsh and addicting when compared to pharmaceuticals. In a 2019 study, research showed that CBD reduced the reward association with opioids and lasted for two weeks in patients. While this is new-found data, it shows how CBD has the potential for long-lasting benefits for people with substance abuse.

Final note

Alcohol and drug use are particularly detrimental to women, and it is important that you do your research. It is safe to note that while cannabis can be used as a healthy and holistic option, it can also have addictive properties. CBD is not addictive, but there are some in THC products. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of cannabis addiction. CBD may not be the holy grail of addiction treatment, but studies conclude that CBD does more good than harm.