Can CBD Help you Quit Alcohol?

Liz Filmer
23 Jun 2023

 Alcohol consumption is the cause of millions of health-related complaints and deaths every year. Like with anything, trying to quit alcohol can be difficult. CBD may be able to help you without causing any new dependencies.


CBD is a natural compound derived from the same plant species as marijuana. It has less than 0.3 per cent THC, so
it does not cause users to experience highs or suffer from paranoia, increased anxiety, or hallucinations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined CBD as a nontoxic, safe cannabinoid.

Research on CBD is ongoing, but researchers have already reported its potential for helping with several mental and chronic health issues, including anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, PTSD, insomnia,  pain management, and many other health issues.

With increased demand, there is bringing high-quality CBD products to consumers. Available to can find CBD in different forms, including oil, tinctures, edibles, vapes and balms.

From the limited research, experts have seen that this natural compound can impede that part of the brain typically triggered by substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. In another study that links CBD and opioid addiction, researchers discovered that addicts found it easier to dismiss their cravings when given a dose of CBD.

CBD can reduce cravings and minimise the distinct pleasure of taking one of these substances. Suppose CBD reduces the joy you usually experience from drinking alcohol. In that case, it becomes more manageable to reduce your drinking because you are not enjoying it as much as you used to. 

CBD is also loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential molecules that neutralise harmful cells which enter our body via unhealthy means. Factors including junk food, smoking, pollution and alcohol can provoke free radicals.

Your free radicals level is exceptionally high if you are a regular heavy drinker. So, in this case, you will need to reverse the damage by nurturing your body with additional antioxidants. CBD can help to neutralise some free radicals and prevent health issues like heart disease and cancer. In one study, investigators noted that CBD could undo brain toxicity caused by extreme alcohol consumption.

CBD can also help those encountering severe withdrawal symptoms when giving up alcohol. Anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia are ways alcohol withdrawal can affect your body.

With a low to negligible THC level, there is no threat of CBD increasing your anxiety levels. Studies show that CBD can motivate the body to discharge more serotonin, increasing GABA levels in the brain. Both elevated levels are vital in lowering anxiety and creating a feeling of well-being and peace.

When taken in high doses, CBD can also reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and help you stay asleep longer. It can also potentially relieve headaches and other pain. Studies have shown that CBD has great potential to ease chronic pain conditions.

In occasional cases, some alcoholics may encounter seizures when withdrawing from alcohol. CBD may help here, too, as it has been approved and incorporated into an approved, licensed drug for adults and children with rare epilepsy.

More advantages of CBD include its gentle effect on organs and lack of harmful side effects. So far, experts have not found any adverse consequences from mixing CBD with alcohol. However, if you do decide 
to use CBD to give up drinking, you should speak to your doctor, who can guide you in determining doses and brands. 
 

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Liz Filmer