CBD to combat alcoholism

Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of cannabinoids in helping to combat alcohol abuse. CBD acts in two different but complementary ways on the body of individuals who consume too much alcohol. It reduces addiction while protecting the body from the devastating effects of ethanol. 

CBD and alcohol consumption

A person with an addiction to alcohol will have an overwhelming urge to consume alcoholic beverages. The neurological mechanisms involved have long been acknowledged.

A 2014 study showed that heavy alcohol consumption short-circuits the neurological mechanisms of "reward behaviour" by influencing the number of CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors. Physiologically, this causes sufferers to experience symptoms of withdrawal and increased stress and anxiety when they are deprived of alcohol. The effect of CBD on the human endocannabinoid system has been recognised for many years now, and has been the subject of a lot of research. Some research has been particularly interested in the use of medical hemp to combat certain addictions, including alcoholism. And there is evidence to suggest that cannabinoids may help when weaning yourself off alcohol by counteracting the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the endocannabinoid system.

Tests carried out on mice have shown that taking CBD alters the animals’ behaviour in relation to alcohol. Mice consuming cannabinoids automatically reduced their alcohol consumption and were less prone to relapse once they stopped. They also coped much better with the stress of withdrawal. Therefore, CBD could be very helpful for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption by helping them to better manage the anxiety associated with withdrawal.

CBD to protect against the harmful effects of alcohol

Medical cannabis also protects the body against the harmful effects of ethanol. Excessive alcohol consumption causes damage to various organs in the body over time, including the liver and brain. An alcoholic will have an inflamed liver which often has multiple lesions. CBD could protect liver cells.

A study carried out on alcoholic mice showed that the livers of those who had received CBD beforehand were much less damaged. The protective effect of CBD could also extend to neurons. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to nerve cell loss, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex.

A study carried out on rats showed that the animals that consumed CBD and then alcohol had less brain damage than those that only drank alcohol. Additionally, it seems that medical hemp has the ability to restore certain cognitive capabilities in animals suffering from severe liver failure following ethanol consumption. 

Therefore, using CBD to help people overcome their alcohol dependency and to repair some of the damage in the body caused by ethanol seems to be very promising. However, tests on humans are still needed to develop the use of medical hemp for alcohol withdrawal. CBD has many applications for our health and well-being. Let’s hope that cannabinoids will eventually be recognised for their multiple benefits!