CBD and Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol abuse and addiction are far too common in America. A 2018 study found that over a quarter of people aged 18 years or older engaged in binge drinking within the past month, with binge drinking defined as a male having five alcoholic drinks and a female having four alcoholic drinks in close succession.

With alcohol abuse and addition placing such a burden on families nationally and internationally, people are increasingly turning to alternative methods of treatment. One such treatment is CBD oil. To better understand how CBD oil may help those dealing with addiction, we’ll look at what alcoholism actually is, as well as the science behind this newly popular treatment.

What is Alcoholism/Alcohol Addiction?

The Mayo Clinic defines alcohol use disorder as “a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.” To put another way, alcoholism is defined as repeated behavior where demonstrably poor outcomes are caused by alcohol use.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the active ingredients of cannabis. However, it is not psychoactive, like its cannabinoid cousin THC, so it does not induce a feeling of being “high.” Recent research has found that CBD has therapeutic properties, including reducing anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation.

These benefits occur through CBD’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating bodily systems. This interaction helps explain how CBD releases tension and anxiety, as well as why some people use CBD for relaxation, too.

How Does CBD Help?

CBD provides benefits on many fronts for those battling alcoholism. One recent study found that CBD prevents relapse and could improve neurocognition in those trying to quit drinking. This can be seen in the way CBD reduces paranoia and how CBD helps to increase concentration levels and focus better.

Alcoholism puts a great strain on the liver, and there is some evidence for the efficacy of using CBD oil for liver injury. Further research shows that CBD may prevent cell damage through its role as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Put together, these studies show that CBD may play a key role in reducing the need to drink, as well as help heal the body after abstaining from alcohol. With the way CBD can also help improve mood, there is great promise to the use of CBD as a treatment for alcohol addiction. If you’re concerned about your drinking, reach out to your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment for your specific needs.