Along with the recent marijuana legalization that has resulted in a billion-dollar cannabis boom, CBD is now on everyone’s radar due to its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. As the use of CBD along with the wellness movement becomes increasingly mainstream, what role does it have in addiction recovery?
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a molecule found in cannabis that attaches to certain receptors in the brain. Unlike the more popular THC, CBD does not have a psychoactive or euphoric element, more simply put, it doesn’t get you high. Although this seems simple enough, there is still much confusion between the two, and even though there are various types of cannabinoids THC and CBD are the most popular.
CBD can come in the form of oils, pills, gummies, topical ointment and has many benefits that are still being explored and discovered. Some of the most common symptoms CBD treats include general pain and discomfort, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea and attention deficits.
The Research Shows
Regardless of recent trends, scientists have been conducting multiple studies on CBD for decades. CBD has been reported to help everything from acne to Alzheimer’s and this year, opioid addiction. One study reported by WeB MD, revealed that compared to a placebo, CBD reduced drug cue-induced craving and anxiety in the participants. Additonal case studies have reported the effectiveness of managing symptoms and anti-relapse potential. Researcher Yasmin Hurd, director of the Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai says, “If we can have the medications that can dampen that [craving], that can greatly reduce the chance of relapse and overdose risk.”
Sobriety Debate
Despite its many benefits, the use of CBD and addiction recovery is still a bit controversial when it comes to treatment centers and the sober community. Some believe that partaking in CBD consumption could adversely affect their sobriety journey by interfering with their abstinence mentality. They believe opening the doors even to CBD poses a risk for relapse. Even medication prescribed by doctors would be something to discuss with your therapists or even sponsor.
On the other hand, there are many CBD advocates within the recovery community that believe CBD can strengthen their recovery journey and overall health. For some, CBD helped with their daily anxiety, depression and acted as a relapse prevention tool without the side effects of other medications. They believe CBD has improved their overall lifestyle and don’t find it to be in any way derailing of their recovery.
CBD use is definitely something that should be discussed with your therapists and treatment professionals. Addiction recovery is unique and what works for one may not for the other, so its important to take time and explore what makes sense for you.
The Future of Recovery
It is still the very early stages of CBD but the potential to be revolutionary seems promising. As the research renaissance continues as well as countless clinical trials already in motion, more information will be available for people to make informed decisions about their health.
