Can CBD help with addiction recovery

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CBD and Addiction: Can CBD help with addiction recovery?

Can CBD help with addiction?

The short answer is “yes”, although you will need to put in your own work to overcome any attachment you might have developed over the years.

While CBD may have the potential as a treatment for many addictions, it should not be considered the only option for curing addiction, and you should always seek therapy and professional help. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on addiction and to determine the most effective dosage and administration methods.

That said, here is my own experience and research.

Can CBD help with addiction

I know firsthand how difficult addiction can be to overcome. I used to struggle with nicotine, but through my journey, I’ve found that CBD is a helpful tool in managing my cravings. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms not only for nicotine addiction but also for alcohol, antidepressants, and Lexapro [8].

A preclinical study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology in 2013 [6] found that CBD reduced the rewarding effects of morphine, which suggests that it may have potential as a treatment for opioid addiction. Also, a study published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology [9] in 2018 found that CBD reduced withdrawal symptoms in individuals with a history of cannabis use disorder.

So let’s dig in!

Can CBD help with alcohol addiction

We all know that alcohol addiction is a serious issue that affects many people.

But, research shows that CBD may be able to help. Studies have found that CBD can reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in individuals with an alcohol abuse history. For example, a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology in 2016 [7] found that CBD reduced the number of drinks consumed per week and the intensity of cravings in individuals with alcohol use disorder.

This is just one of the many studies that have been conducted on the topic, and it suggests that CBD’s ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system and modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, may have a positive effect in reducing the intensity of cravings and alcohol consumption.

Does CBD help with nicotine addiction

I know firsthand how difficult it can be to quit smoking.

I used to smoke 5-10 cigarettes a day and it was a real struggle to quit. But, I can tell you that CBD is a game changer when it comes to nicotine addiction.

Thanks to CBD, I was able to reduce my smoking to an occasional social smoker (2-3 per week) in 4 months, and it became a permanent change.

Studies have also backed this up – there’s a growing body of research that suggests that CBD can be an effective tool in managing nicotine addiction. For example, a paper published in the journal Addictive Behaviors in 2018 [3] found that CBD reduced cigarette consumption in smokers who were trying to quit. Another study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology in 2013 [7] found that CBD reduced the rewarding effects of nicotine, in other words, it takes away your smoking “happiness” until it becomes kinda disgusting.

These studies just go to show that CBD’s ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system and modulate the release of neurotransmitters can have a positive impact on reducing cravings and nicotine consumption.

Some long-terms smokers have found success quitting those tobacco sticks with a common alternative; Vaping. Learn more about how vaping CBD works.

Can you get addicted to CBD

Can you get addicted to CBD? The short answer is no. Unlike other substances, CBD is not addictive. In fact, it has been shown to have the potential as a treatment for addiction to other substances.

Let me tell you my own experience: I’ve never felt the need to increase my CBD dosage, nor have I felt any withdrawal symptoms after stopping. I can say that CBD oil gave me no physical or mental addiction. It’s like a reassuring presence in my house, knowing that if I ever feel the need to smoke or feel cravings, I can always have a drop and relax.

On top of it, several preclinical and clinical studies have shown that CBD does not produce the same addictive effects as other substances. For example, a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology in 2013 [7] found that CBD did not have the same rewarding effects as other substances and another published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology in 2018 [9] found that CBD does not produce dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

So, rest easy knowing that you can use CBD without worrying about getting addicted to it.

As always, please talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment regimen.

Why is CBD not addictive

So, why is CBD not addictive? The reason lies in the way that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and memory. CBD works by interacting with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, but it does not produce the same psychoactive effects as other cannabinoids, such as THC.

CBD has been shown to interact with the CB1 receptor, which is primarily found in the brain, but it does not activate it in the same way that THC does. Instead, it works by modulating the activity of the receptor and reducing the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. This is what makes CBD unique and different from THC, as it does not produce the same “high” feeling that is associated with THC.

Moreover, studies [10] have shown that CBD does not produce the same rewarding effects as other substances and does not lead to physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

And this is why it is considered to be non-addictive!

Related: How To Choose the Right CBD Products

Are CBD gummies addictive

Are CBD gummies addictive? No way, Jose! As the active substances in the gummies are the same as those found in CBD oil, everything we said before still applies.

CBD gummies are a convenient and tasty way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about getting addicted to them.

So go ahead, and enjoy a gummy or two a day as part of your wellness routine.

Are there cases of CBD addiction or abuse? And what are the risks?

There have been a few officially reported cases of CBD abuse. However, it is important to note that these cases are relatively rare and that CBD is considered well-tolerated and generally safe for most people. The World Health Organization (WHO) in their report on the safety and efficacy of CBD, has stated that “to date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

For the side effects of CBD, you might feel a dry mouth, drowsiness, and decreased appetite, but it’s not addictive. It doesn’t cause physical withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing use, which is the hallmark of addiction.

It is important to keep in mind that CBD is still a relatively new and largely unregulated industry, and there have been some reports of products containing toxic or dangerous ingredients, or not containing the amount of CBD stated on the label. Therefore, it is recommended to use caution and only purchase CBD products from reputable sources.

I usually buy it from Lullaby Luxury, these guys are great! Alternatively, we made a list of Best CBD Oil in Australia for 2023 which will make your search easier.

CBD for Withdrawal Relief: Can it Help?

Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when an individual stops using a substance or medication on which they have developed a dependence.

When a person uses a substance or medication for an extended period of time, their brain becomes accustomed to the presence of that substance or medication and begins to rely on it. When the substance or medication is removed, the brain struggles to readjust and function normally, leading to a range of withdrawal symptoms.

The specific symptoms that occur during withdrawal depend on the substance or medication but can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, sweating, nausea, and in more severe cases, seizures.

And that’s where the CBD comes in!

CBD has been shown to have a positive impact on the symptoms helping you calm down and ease back into your life. Studies[7] have found that CBD can help reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

As we discussed above it works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which helps to regulate mood, pain, and other physiological functions.

So in brief, it will relax your mind and slow your cravings to a much, much more bearable level.

Venlafaxine withdrawal relief

Venlafaxine is a prescription drug that helps people with problems like depression or anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms can include feeling dizzy, having headaches, feeling irritable, or having trouble sleeping.

As we have seen above CBD interacts with the body’s chemistry and may be able to help balance the body’s internal environment and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBD for withdrawal relief, but the current studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it can be a valuable tool in managing venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms [8].

Lexapro and Antidepressant withdrawal relief

Lexapro is a brand name for the generic drug escitalopram, which is an antidepressant medication used to treat conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It works by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood. When someone who has been taking Lexapro stops taking it abruptly or reduces their dosage too quickly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, irritability, and agitation. Withdrawal symptoms might vary in intensity and duration and that it is best to taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional just to be safe.

However, we already know that CBD oil is great at addressing anxiety, insomnia, and agitation! So, it will definitely come in handy when needing help in overcoming these tricky states of mind!

Conclusion – Does/Can CBD help with addiction?

CBD oil is a natural, plant-based alternative that could be a game-changer when it comes to managing addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

As we have seen from my own personal experience and from the research available, it’s clear that CBD can be a powerful tool in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine, alcohol, and antidepressants like venlafaxine and Lexapro.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that CBD should not be the only treatment for addiction, and professional help should always be your primary tool in these difficult times.

But when it comes to withdrawal relief, CBD is a real MVP! So, if you’re looking for a natural way to ease your withdrawal symptoms, give CBD oil a try!

Citations and Research Results

January 31, 2023

Written by Alberto T 

Alberto is an avid cannabis activist who has over 6 years of research and writing experience in the field of herbal medication. Alberto’s work is centered around how herbal medicine practices can be implemented in modern society for general wellness and healing.