How CBD help to wean oneself off alcohol cravings?
CBD and alcohol: how to stop (or reduce) consumption with cannabidiol? Research on rats has shown excellent results when usingCBD oil to reduce alcohol cravings in the rodents tested. This particular study noted that CBD reduced biomarkers of inflammation, which disrupts the production of neurotransmitters, leading to uncontrollable cravings and relapses.
Short-term alcohol consumption causes an artificial surge of chemicals in the brain. Alcohol thus stimulates your biochemical and nervous reward system.
Long-term alcohol consumption also leads to deficiencies in nutrients necessary for the optimal production of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, ethanol and its byproducts, such as acetaldehyde, lead to the production of pro-inflammatory compounds that directly inhibit the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and serotonin.
What are the known effects of alcohol on the body and what are the benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol) in combating this addiction?
CBD and alcohol withdrawal:
CBD is known to reduce the presence of pro-inflammatory compounds in the body and brain, thus removing a major obstacle to the production of feel-good. It may do this by repairing oxidative stress in a similar way to antioxidants.
CBD directly restores our natural endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids (and even the number of endocannabinoid receptors) have been found to be severely depleted and even completely shut down by heavy alcohol consumption.
Alcohol and your liver:
When it comes to drinking, the liver—which is responsible for breaking down alcohol—usually bears the brunt of the damage. Excessive alcohol consumption over extended periods can overload the organ with toxins and fats, leading to a host of complications and illnesses.
And although some negative health effects are irreversible, research shows that avoiding alcohol can have a noticeable improvement on your liver.
Alcohol and your skin:
Responsible for inflammation, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies, alcohol can have a disastrous impact on your skin. But if you stop drinking and consume more water, experts say you'll start to see major improvements.
Even after a short period, your skin could have a more youthful glow, appear less red, and feel more rejuvenated and hydrated.
Alcohol and your brain:
Excessive alcohol consumption can significantly affect your cognitive abilities, leading to mood swings, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Some evidence suggests that alcohol can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, impacting feelings of happiness and pleasure.
However, all is not lost, as researchers say it only takes a few months of sobriety for the brain to start returning to normal.
Alcohol and weight loss:
What we drink plays a significant role in our diet, and excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to a healthy lifestyle. Alcohol is often high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain over time.
So, if you stop drinking – or at least cut down on your alcohol consumption – you can start to see real changes in your fitness and appearance.
In conclusion regarding CBD and alcohol:
The use of CBD for alcohol withdrawal is still a very new phenomenon. There are many promising anecdotal reports about CBD's use for alcohol withdrawal, but further studies are needed before it can be said that CBD has proven benefits for people struggling with alcohol addiction.
As mentioned earlier, the two main benefits of CBD for alcohol withdrawal are the reduction of inflammation and the replenishment of endocannabinoids, both of which promote an optimal balance of neurotransmitters.
CBD has positive effects on people struggling with alcohol addiction in two specific ways:
- Reducing glutamate toxicity is relevant because alcohol withdrawal involves an excess of glutamate (a stress chemical) which contributes to a deficiency of GABA (the brain's "natural Valium")
- Reduce alcohol cravings through a combination of inflammation reduction, restoration of endocannabinoid and CB-1 receptor function, and combating high glutamate levels
In many cases, the use of CBD and alcohol is controversial. And there are signs that CBD is becoming more accepted. The media has begun to give a voice to people who have used CBD for a variety of health issues.