How Cannabis helps with alcohol addiction
Alcohol addiction is not a “milder” form of substance dependency.
It’s a silent epidemic that’s been a problem in the US for several years now. Now that cannabis is legalized in several US states, this begs the question if cannabis can cure alcohol addiction.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Most individuals who suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder rarely admit to being dependent or addicted to alcohol. It usually takes an intervention from another person like their family or friends to help notice the signs of AUD.
Such as these.
- Excessive, binge, or uncontrollable drinking; that sometimes can result in…
- Developing a high tolerance for alcohol
- Endangering one’s life by drinking in unsafe places or situations like driving under the influence
- Canceling appointments or important occasions to drink instead
- Dismissing work, school, or family obligations for an alcohol fix or for being too intoxicated
- Feeling like “they’re not themselves” when sober
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not under the influence of alcohol
Cannabis as Treatment for Alcohol Dependency
A great number of studies from distinguished research groups and medical journals concluded that cannabis can be an excellent substitute for alcohol. Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the predominant compounds found in marijuana. It’s responsible for alleviating the symptoms of alcohol addiction and withdrawal.
Cannabis helps with alcohol addiction because of the plant’s effects on the body — such as the ones listed below.
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Many who suffer from AUD know how miserably sick one can feel when going through the withdrawal phase — that’s why they keep impulsively going for another glass or bottle even when they’re well aware that they shouldn’t. Those who experience alcohol withdrawal may feel heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, excessive sweating, and many more that are anxiety-inducing.
Cannabis can alleviate the stress and anxiety that come from alcohol withdrawal. Several reports claim that people who use CBD in forms like tinctures, lotions, creams, gummies, or vapes felt calmer and more relaxed.
- May prevent liver damage
Liver damage is a known side effect of alcohol addiction. If AUD is left untreated, people who suffer from it may eventually develop liver cirrhosis; it’s an irreversible disease that occurs when the organ is badly scarred. Fortunately, a recent study conducted found that CBD may help prevent liver damage.
- Reduces cravings
Alcohol craving is one of AUD and alcohol withdrawal’s side effects. Many who suffer from alcohol addiction constantly think about their next fix and almost nothing else. Hence, why many fail to kick off their drinking habit.
According to a 2021 research, the use of cannabis or CBD can reduce a person’s alcohol craving, and many sufferers who opted to use weed as an alternative for alcohol found that they’re less likely to touch another bottle than those who didn’t — their urge to drink decreased significantly.
In Short…
Alcohol addiction is a deadly disorder that affects many people. Those who deal with Alcohol Use Disorder oftentimes finds themselves in a cessation and relapse cycle. In the eyes of others, they’re in a downward spiral. Thankfully, in almost every state, cannabis is legalized, thus, it should be utilized. Based on numerous scientists, experts, and researchers, cannabis helps with alcohol addiction.
If you know someone who suffers from alcohol addiction, inform them of cannabis and suggest it as an alternative to alcohol.
