Can CBD oil help me stop drinking?

With the price of rehab at astronomical levels, millions of people around the globe are trapped in an addictive cycle without an alternative. I was one of them, until I came across an article revealing the latest findings on CBD and addiction. So I started thinking, what if instead of turning to alcohol to “self-medicate” (because, let’s be honest, it is not a medicine) turning to CBD could provide the ultimate solution?

Table of Contents

01. What Is CBD Oil? | 02. CBD Oil & Alcoholism | 03 . Best CBD Oils | 04. Comments

I decided to go for it and invest in a small bottle, to see for myself if it really worked. Within a month, my cravings were significantly reduced and I was no longer drinking on a daily basis. Today, I can proudly testify that I am 12 months clean, and CBD provided me with the extra help I needed to finally kick the habit for good. CBD offers a cheaper alternative to traditional treatment options for alcoholism, and the science behind it is a breakthrough in the world of addictions!

By the way, CBD has zero intoxicating components, so in case you were wandering, I did not “replace” alcohol with CBD. Read on to find out all the exciting benefits of this modern miracle, and for an in depth exploration of the science behind CBD.

CBD is effective at soothing emotions and can smooth the journey to recovery, helping to reduce the urge to drink.

What is CBD oil? Does it affect stress?

CBD oil is a cannabis-derived plant extract, recently discovered to treat a wide range of both physical and emotional conditions. Although the term cannabis is typically associated with marijuana, the name describes a family of plants that includes hemp as well. CBD oil is derived from hemp, which is only classified as such, if it contains less than 0.3 percent THC – the famous intoxicating compound. Full-spectrum CBD actually does contain trace amounts of THC, but the percentage is so minuscule that even large doses won’t get you baked (you need actual marijuana for that).

The properties of the THC compounds compliment the benefits of the CBD and ensure that the full benefits of the plant medicine are reaped. Both THC and CBD are famous for their soothing properties, and CBD oil has been shown to reduce mood-related disorders like anxiety, depression and general  stress. Scientific research supports this, with findings having shown that CBD has a positive effect on the way the basolateryl amygdala (fight or flight) receptors process anxiety or aggression. Additionally, research has revealed that CBD oil stimulates receptors in the hippocampus (the emotional control centre of the brain), to release comforting chemicals that combat stress.

What are the leading causes of alcoholism?

The root causes of alcoholism vary from individual to individual, but there are four major influences that contribute to the development of an alcohol dependency. These causes fall into categories that include psychological, social, environmental and hereditary factors. Let’s take a closer look at how each one contributes to the onset of alcoholism:

Biological:

It seems genetics is the number one cause of alcoholism, with scientific research revealing 51 genes connected to alcoholism. These genes cause an individual to exhibit alcoholic tendencies regardless of social, environmental or psychological factors. The genes are passed down from generation to generation in an unpredictable pattern, leaving future generations vulnerable to the disease.

Psychological:

Alcohol-dependency often starts out as a way to self-medicate when faced with overwhelming emotions. In time the unhealthy coping mechanism can get out of hand, leading a person to drink compulsively. As the illness progresses, alcoholics develop tolerance and need to drink more and more to keep the demons at bay (in other words, to suppress emotions).

Environmental:

Recent research has explored the link between access to alcohol as a cause for alcoholism. It was found that individuals living within close proximity to bars or bottle stores are more likely to develop the addiction. Income also plays a major role in alcohol-dependency and (contrary to popular belief) higher earners are more likely to turn to the bottle than those living below poverty.

Social:

Many people look to alcohol as a means to achieve a sense of belonging. New career or living environments can lead a person to seek social connections through alcohol. In time this can become a full-blown addiction and lead to a downward spiral. Unsurprisingly, people raised in an alcoholic family are the most susceptible to developing a dependency, with subconscious patterns at play.

Does CBD oil work to treat alcoholism?

A number of scientists believe that CBD could play a key role in the treatment of alcoholism. Animal studies have proved that CBD assists in reducing symptoms associated with addiction, such as cravings and withdrawal. While research is still in the early stages and human patients have yet to be tested, evidence has surfaced that shows CBD to reduce alcohol intake in alcoholic rodents. Additionally, the findings concluded that the plant extract helped to prevent relapses, all of which points towards an effective medicine in the treatment of alcoholism. There are also studies that have shown CBD to reduce the use of tobacco in addicted cigarette smokers by 40 percent.

Can I drink alcohol while taking CBD oil?

When I first contemplated using CBD to quit drinking, this was the first question that came to mind. Given the nature of alcoholism, I learnt the hard way that it was unrealistic to expect perfection whenever I tried to quit. Recovery can take time, with long periods of abstinence interspersed with several relapses. While I have finally overcome my addiction with the help of CBD, it took a year or so to completely break the habit without the occasional deviation. Fortunately, you can drink alcohol while taking CBD, although it can amplify the effects of alcohol and result in drowsiness.

Will CBD oil hurt your liver?

Unlike antibiotics or other chemical medications, medicating with CBD while consuming alcohol is not a problem. In fact, studies done on animals have shown that CBD prevents alcohol-induced liver damage, and additionally protects the brain cells. These preliminary clinical trials also suggest that CBD may help to reduce blood alcohol levels. This makes the cannabis-derivative ideal for those caught in the grips of alcoholism as it supports overall health, even in the event of a relapse.

One drug for another: Is there a risk of becoming dependent on CBD?

The World Health Organization has declared CBD as non-addictive and “safe to consume in large doses”. As a natural medicine, you can use CBD for life and reap a number of healthy rewards. The plant-extract promotes emotional and physical health, and early research suggests that it may even lead to a prolonged life span. You will not find yourself craving CBD at any time, and may even need to set reminders in order to stay on top of your dosages.

CBD is different to drugs and alcohol, as it contains only trace amounts of THC with zero intoxicating effects. Although THC is psychoactive in large quantities the compound need not be avoided, as it contains beneficial properties that work alongside CBD. The properties in CBD facilitate noticeable improvements after a few weeks of consistent usage, providing a more stable means of emotional maintenance.

Best CBD oils to help you quit drinking

Here are a selection of reliable, lab-tested CBD oils that range in strength. Recovering from an addiction is notoriously difficult, and for this reason it’s probably best to go for the highest dosage of CBD you can afford. It will help to ease the withdrawal and there are a variety of flavours available to choose from. Typically it is recommended to start with small dosages of CBD and work your way upwards, but due to the nature of chemical addiction, your body could do with a boost to ease the symptoms associated with kicking the habit. It’s a good idea to go for the full spectrum oils, so you can reap the added benefits of THC as well.

Final Verdict: CBD oil as an alcoholism treatment

CBD helped me to break the cycle of my alcohol addiction, and there is widespread scientific research to support the benefits of CBD in breaking alcohol-dependency. In addition to reducing cravings, CBD can assist in stabilizing blood-alcohol levels and protect the liver in the event of a relapse. It also prevents damage in brain cells, and provides emotional support by reducing overall stress-levels. The miraculous medicine has soothed the anxiety that led me to drink in the first place, and allowed me to get a good night’s sleep without alcohol. This cutting edge breakthrough in the treatment of addiction is a cheaper and healthier alternative than chemical-based medicines, providing a much needed solution to millions of alcoholics around the globe.

Now It’s Your Turn

If you would like to share a story about CBD oil or other CBD products, especially in terms of alcohol recovery, please leave a comment on the forum below! This website is dedicated to providing education on all things cannabis-related, and your story could be life-changing for someone else. With scientists still in the initial stages of providing quantitative data on the benefits of CBD, information in the form of unbiased user reviews is a strong factor for those wishing to try CBD.

You never know what impact your story could have, and it could be the one that helps to make a difference in the life of someone struggling to overcome a health condition such as alcoholism.