CBD is the non-psychoactive component in marijuana, that’s why you can find it in states where cannabis is illegal. It’s increasingly being integrated into a variety of medicinal treatments as well as being extracted to create healing oils, tonics, lotions and more.
It’s been widely recognized for its ability to calm and de-stress its user, making it a common supplement for those struggling with anxiety or PTSD, but it’s used for much more than that.
In recent years, medical professionals have been delving into whether or not CBD can be beneficial to those rehabilitating from addiction, or if it would further inhibit their recovery.
In this article, we’re going to answer that question for you.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be everywhere nowadays, from being in baked goods and smoothies, a leading ingredient in skincare and tonics and as an alternative to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs.
So what exactly is this CBD you’re hearing so much about, and is it worth the hype?
In short, CBD is a natural chemical found in cannabis, and is the second most active ingredient in the plant. Its inability to cause a “high,” but its capability to alleviate a vast amount of uncomfortable symptoms from different medical conditions has made it a popular choice for those seeking more natural options for relief.
Most recently, CBD has become particularly recognized in the addiction recovery community for its ability to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Benefits of CBD
CBD has many uses, but is especially known for treating three specific areas of suffering, these being temporary or chronic pain, mental issues, and sleep issues, such as insomnia.
1. Helps alleviate pain
Because CBD is anti-inflammatory, it’s been made into many different topical applications and is often used to treat short-term and chronic pain, as well as assist in relieving eczema and acne.
2. Stabilizes and improves mood
CBD’s ability to calm and de-stress is arguably its most popular effect and often the most common reason it’s used, but can also improve—your mood, stabilize your emotions and even encourage your natural serotonin production.
In other words, in appropriate doses, CBD won’t just make you feel positive and relaxed in the moment, it can promote a better overall sense of happiness and wellbeing, even when you aren’t “on” it.
3. Promotes better sleep
It’s still unclear whether CBD directly contributes to better sleep patterns by lowering cortisol levels, the stress hormone, or raising melatonin production, the sleep hormone. It may simply be helping someone sleep better by reducing their pain or anxiety. CBD has helped many people achieve the deeper, more restful sleep they’re aiming for.
Recovering from an addiction is a process that looks a little different for each person, but there is a part of rehabilitation no one is able to avoid, and that is the withdrawal phase.
This is where the fourth benefit comes in.
4. Relieves symptoms of withdrawal
Several studies have revealed that consistently ingesting regulated amounts of CBD can reduce withdrawal-induced cravings. It can also significantly ease any anxiety, restlessness and irritability that comes with transitioning out of substance abuse into sobriety.
Is CBD safe to use?
There have been concerns about the possibility of becoming addicted to CBD, especially for those recovering from an addiction, but due to the lack of a “high,” addiction isn’t possible.
There has never been a cannabis—or CBD—related death, and it isn’t possible for you to overdose (in the traditional, dangerous sense) on marijuana as you can on synthetic drugs.
Some people have reported experiencing uncomfortable side effects after ingesting CBD, such as: nausea, fatigue or dry mouth, but overall, CBD is safe to use.
Should you choose to pursue CBD as a natural supplement, always consult with a medical professional first to ensure its compatibility with any current medications you may be taking.
Contact us to learn more about natural recovery methods
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, we’re here to help.
Whether you, or they, are ready to integrate CBD into your addiction recovery plan or you’d like to know more about how CBD can help you on your journey to sobriety, contact us today.
At Rehab After Work, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing you with the latest, most effective addiction treatment methods, and we believe in integrating holistic practices into our treatment plans so we can offer you a truly full-spectrum rehabilitation.
To learn more about natural addiction recovery methods, submit this form today or call us anytime at 610-644-6464.
