Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural, non-intoxicating substance derived from the cannabis plant. A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD holds great potential for preventing and treating drug and alcohol addiction. Recent studies have shown that CBD may help by:
- Helping reduce cravings. Briefly, it works like this: CBD binds to receptors throughout the brain and body to help balance the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which in turn steadies important bodily functions like sleep and mood. And by stimulating the brain’s serotonin and dopamine receptors, CBD also reduces drug-seeking behavior and making it less likely people will pursue addictive substances.
- Addressing the symptoms or conditions that contribute to substance abuse. It’s important to understand that a person's genes, the action of the drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress can all be factors. As many people suffering from addiction also suffer from underlying mental health issues like depression, psychosis and anxiety disorders (PTSD, social anxiety, etc.), CBD could make people less likely to abuse alcohol in the first place.
- In the research community there is substantial interest in the therapeutic potential of CBD. Scientists have begun to understand the critical role the endocannabinoid system plays in alcohol and other addictions, and also in mood disorders, pain management, depression and anxiety relief, and other health related issues.
- In addition to reducing alcohol consumption and preventing relapse in recovering alcoholics, studies suggest that CBD could also be beneficial when dealing with some of the underlying conditions that lead people to self-medicate before they become addicted to alcohol. As many people suffering from addiction also suffer from underlying mental health issues like depression, psychosis and anxiety disorders (PTSD, social anxiety, etc.), CBD could make people less likely to abuse alcohol in the first place.