It may seem counterintuitive to consider using a compound from a plant species in the Cannabis family to treat drug or other substance addiction, however, several recent studies show CBD (Cannabidiol) may be a powerful ally for those enslaved by addictive substances.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex combination of physiological and psychological responses to external stimuli, which may be triggered by a number of factors. These include continued exposure to certain substances, learned behavior, or the pleasure responses which result within the brain after being exposed to a substance. Immediately after exposure to a substance like nicotine, caffeine, or heroin, for example, the brain is bathed in dopamine causing a surge of pleasurable sensations. Addiction causes changes within the brain by first redirecting the way pleasure is perceived, and then by corrupting the normal drives and desires until the brain craves something so intensely that there is a loss of control over its use.

How Can Cannabidiol (CBD) Help?

Cannabidiol is one of over 100 compounds found in species of Cannabis, with Hemp having the highest concentrations of this non-psychoactive substance. It interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the body and has been shown, among dozens of other benefits, to help sufferers win the fight by tackling every step in the vicious cycle of addiction. CBD is described by researchers as “an exogenous cannabinoid that acts on several neurotransmission systems involved in addiction”.

First, CBD may help prevent addiction by alleviating many of the underlying conditions that can lead people toward vulnerability and self-medicating activities. CBD may help subvert the desire for addictive substances in the first place, and provide its’ own therapeutic benefits without inducing a psychoactive reaction or withdrawal response.

Some of the reasons people seek to self-medicate include mood disorders, chronic pain, elevated anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, stress, depression, or other health conditions. Since CBD has been shown to be an agonist of 5-HT1a serotoninergic receptors, it can help regulate stress responses and compulsive behaviors. In addition, CBD has been shown to have antipsychotic, antidepressant and neuroprotective properties, as well as modulating effects upon opioid receptors.

Next, Cannabidiol has been shown to inhibit the “reward-facilitating effects” of substances which can lead to a cycle of dependence. The results of this study published in the National Institute of Health (also known as PubMed), suggest that cannabidiol interferes with the brain reward mechanisms and helps block the physiological responses to addictive substances.

Finally, CBD has been shown to help prevent substance abuse relapse in recovering addicts. On March 22, 2018, a study was published in Neuropsychopharmacology (an international scientific journal and official publication of the ACNP) with results supporting the potential of CBD in preventing relapse along two dimensions. These include beneficial actions in reducing an addict’s vulnerability states as well as positive long-term effects with only a brief, 7-day treatment administered. In the study, CBD was administered transdermally at 24-hour intervals for a period of 7 days, and the characteristic dependency, impulsivity and anxiety of the subjects already appeared to be greatly diminished within this short time frame.

Summary

In itself, Cannabidiol (CBD) is considered “non-addictive” and is “non-psychoactive”. There have not been significant reports of withdrawal symptoms or experiences once CBD is no longer present in the body.

CBD interacts with and modulates the Endocannabinoid System. Researchers continue to study the ways in which CBD interacts with the human brain and body, and additional clinical trials and reports continue to be added to PubMed (a US Government hosted online repository of medical research publications).

While those battling addictions may be hesitant to consider trying CBD to alleviate underlying causes, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and potential relapse of addiction, multiple studies point to CBD as a powerful ally in the fight for relief and sobriety.