CBD for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. Whilst there are a number of different treatments available, including medications and behavioural therapy, though many people are curious about the benefits of using CBD for alcohol use disorder, as a complimentary treatment.

If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you will already know that CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound that is found naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. CBD is best known for its potential therapeutic benefits, some of which include reducing inflammation, reducing anxiety and depression, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep.

What is alcohol abuse disorder and how might CBD help?

Alcohol abuse s a drinking pattern that results in recurring, significant consequences to physical, mental and social wellbeing. People who suffer with alcohol abuse disorder often have problems fulfilling school, work, or family commitments, they may have problems with the law (such as driving intoxicated) or relationship problems related to their drinking.

Physically, many people with alcohol dependence end up with withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, sweating, irritability, tremors, or convulsions) when they do not drink. In the long term, stomach ailments, heart problems, cancers, brain damage, memory loss and liver cirrhosis are common in people who abuse alcohol. Drinking can also worsen conditions such as depression or anxiety.

There may be some benefit to using CBD for alcohol use disorder.

There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be beneficial for people with alcohol use disorder.

A study published in 2017 demonstrated that CBD was able to reduce alcohol consumption, motivation, and relapse in mice.

Another study conducted in 2017 suggested that There may be therapeutic potential in using CBD for alcohol abuse disorder; it may treat some of the liver diseases that are associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and steatosis. Therefore it has the potential to reduce alcohol-related liver damage.

These findings offer promising hope when it comes to the use of CBD Oil for alcohol use disorder in humans, however human studies are required in order to determine the efficacy and optimal dose rate for humans.

CBD is not considered a standalone treatment for alcohol use disorder in humans, and a doctor should always be consulted when considering CBD as a complimentary treatment for the condition, alongside any prescribed medications or behavioural therapy.

Disclaimer

This blog, about CBD for Alcohol Use Disorder, is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice. This blog does not intend to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Transcending Organics always recommends that you consult your doctor for a thorough assessment, diagnosis and treatment advice for your condition.

References

American Psychological Association, (2012), Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment,https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/alcohol-disorders], accessed 04/27/2021.

Viudez-Martinez, Garcia-Guiterrez, Navarron, Morales-Calero, Navarrete, Torres-Suarez, Manzanares, (2017), Cannabidiol reduces ethanol consumption, motivation and relapse in mice,https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/adb.12495], accessed 04/27/2023.

Wang, Mukhopadhyay, Cao, Wang, Feng, Hasko, Mechoulam, Gao, Pacher, (2017), Cannabidiol attenuates alcohol-induced liver steatosis, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation and neutrophil-mediated injury,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608708/], accessed 04/27/2021.