How CBD Helps Overcome Addiction
The thought that a compound in cannabis can have a positive effect on substance abuse might sound bizarre; it’s almost laughable to imply that by smoking marijuana, individuals can get their freedom from the shackles of addiction.
In case you did not know, CBD is the non-psychoactive twin to THC. Going with the results of several studies by researchers, we embrace the belief that CBD has no mind-altering effects and is unable to induce a high when ingested. Would it be so farfetched to believe that this non-psychoactive compound can reverse the effects of THC and other similar psychoactive substances and eventually, help combat drug and alcohol addictions? Of course not!
What Is Addiction?
Addiction has been described as a mental condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or continuously adopts habits or behaviors for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to pursue the behavior despite the inevitable detrimental consequences repeatedly. Sufficient scientific evidence exists to prove that these addictive substances and behaviors share a key neurobiological feature; they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, which often involves the dopamine neurotransmitter.
Common substances which individuals are often addicted to include alcohol, cocaine, inhalants, opioids, and nicotine, while gambling is a common addictive behavior.
It should be noted that addictions stemming from substance abuse and other harmful habits increase the risks of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Due to the fact that the primary executive functions of the brain are often affected by addiction, affected individuals may not be aware of the harmful effects of their behavior and the havoc it’s wrecking on themselves and people around them.
CBD as a Treatment for Addiction
Although the recovery of an addict is a long-term process with room for relapse, addiction is a treatable condition, and complete remission is entirely possible.
The effect of CBD on substance abuse is linked to its role in the body’s neurosystem. Thus;
- It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, preventing relapse and
- It prevents neurodegeneration.
In a recent case study, researchers ran a series of tests in a bid to determine the “anti-relapse” potential of transdermal CBD. Here, they administered transdermal CBD to animal subjects who had a history of self-administering cocaine or alcohol and exhibited traits of a relapsing addict. CBD was administered once every 24 hours for just seven days, and eventually, the researchers discovered that the CBD treatment prevented the development of previously displayed “addict-like” characteristics, and also deterred the subjects from relapsing for five months.
CBD does not only protect the brain from any damages caused by substances such as alcohol, but it also helps to reduce the negative symptoms of withdrawal by interfering with the brain mechanisms responsible for reinforcements.
In another study, CBD was effective in the treatment of alcohol-induced neurodegeneration, proving that CBD provides long-lasting benefits and is effective in preventing relapses in drug and alcohol addicts.
Conclusion
CBD has no addictive properties that may encourage you to develop a physical dependence on it. Instead, it provides therapeutic benefits without the mind-numbing high that THC induces. Finally, with its neuroprotective properties, CBD can improve optimal brain health and help with the recovery process of individuals dealing with addictions.
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