With the increase in the use of CBD products, people are quite concerned if taking CBD may lead to addiction of some sort. While CBD is great at producing some modulatory effects, triggers the production of brain cells (neurogenesis), promotes sleep and relaxation, CBD is not addicting and can be used for as long as possible.
The long-term effect of using CBD is quite unknown hence one of the reasons the FDA is yet to endorse CBD as a choice treatment for some disease conditions. Even with these limitations, CBD is great at assisting people battling with addiction. Plus, CBD is safe for consumption regardless of the age and level of health. In this article, we shall discuss how CBD can assist people who are battling with addictions without getting you addicted in the process. With the amount of CBD products on the market, like CBD gel capsules, lotions, or drops, it’s so important to understand how to use CBD properly.
What is addiction?
Addiction, as described by the American psychiatric association is a complex condition affecting the brain. This is often identified by compulsive substance use or frequent engagement in an activity. People who suffer from addictions may have an unusual craving for these substances or activities. Engaging in these activities will trick the brain to release feel good hormones. Addictions start as a harmless activity which graduates into an uncontrollable urge for the drug, chemical or activity.
Addiction and substance abuse are the leading causes of anxiety, depression and deaths among youths all over the world. In 2011 alone, more than 20.6 million Americans were diagnosed with one form of addiction or the other. Although this number may look quite large, it will interest you to note that only a fraction of the cases get diagnosed while a higher percentage goes unnoticed.
Addiction come in different forms and levels ranging from gaming, eating disorder, gambling, prescriptive drugs, alcohol, and pornography. These addictions may alter the brain chemistry of the addicts and may even disorganize their life.
What are the benefits of CBD for addicts?
Using CBD does not trigger an addiction but can assist people suffering with addictions in achieving the following;
- Pain relief:
Consistent use of painkillers and over-the-counter prescription drugs can tamper with brain function and lead to addiction. It has been identified that most people who result in addiction, did so due to pains experienced in their bodies. CBD and other members of the phytocannabinoids can trigger the activity endocannabinoids like anandamide which plays important roles in pain relief and brain activity. CBD also comes in handy in controlling symptoms of substance abuse and can trigger the release of feel-good hormones without any form of adverse side effects. Some researchers have speculated that adding CBD to opioids can make it safer. This claim is, however, open to more research.
- Prevention of relapses:
While studying the relationship between CBD and addiction, some researchers discovered that it could elicit some anti-relapse potentials in lab animals who had a history of self-administration of alcohol and cocaine. The use of CBD elicited some relapsing effects on the addicts like in cases relating to dependency, anxiety, and impulsivity. The ability of CBD to trigger the release of feel-good hormones can also limit the levels of dependence on psychoactive substances. CBD can also display addict-like characteristics by deterring relapse for 5 months even after being cleared from the brain.
- Prevention of opioid tolerance
CBD can limit opioid tolerance and other needs for dose escalation. This is possible due to the relationship between the opioidergic and the endocannabinoid system. Researchers have discovered a strong cross-sensitization between the receptors of both systems in the activation of CB1 receptors. This cross-sensitization can play significant roles in reward and withdrawal, thus assisting patients suffering from addictions. Administration of CBD can elicit antagonistic roles in the brain region that creates a rewarding effect of morphine and other drugs. Other studies have discovered the administration of CBD to manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
- Treatment for anxiety and depression
CBD can proffer solutions to anxiety and depression; the root cause of addictions. The human body is involved with lots of activities capable of producing a wide range of side effects such as inhalation of pollutants, accumulation of toxins, and increased rates of chronic inflammation which can throw the body into depression. The strong antioxidant activity of CBD can neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and checks the rate of inflammations occurring in the body. This keeps the body free from anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions about CBD and addiction. We will love to hear from you.
cannabis store : Buy real weed products online, including edibles. Highest quality, and fast shipping with secure stealth delivery. Trusted online weed store.
