Cannabis Medicine for Alcohol-Use Disorder

Did you know that alcohol is considered the most widely used and abused addictive substance in the United States? Currently, nearly 1-in-10 Americans over the age of 12―roughly 29-30 million people―have Alcohol-Use Disorder (AUD), while over 178,000 Americans die annually from alcohol-related causes, making it the most common substance use disorder. Despite the high prevalence, only about 7.6% to 20% of those with AUD seek treatment.

Now for some good news. Anti-inflammatory medicinal cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) a non-intoxicating compound from cannabis, aids alcohol recovery by:

Reducing cravings – In a study published in Molecular Psychiatry journal, researchers from the University of Heidelberg in Germany analyzed how CBD impacts alcohol cravings and brain activity in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Managing withdrawal symptoms – CBD has been shown to ease AUD symptoms like anxiety, stress, and insomnia by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of chemical signals and receptors that helps regulate many bodily functions. CBD also modulates serotonin receptors and GABA neurotransmitters to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and aid sleep by curbing stress-induced alcohol cravings and reducing physical tension.

Offering neuroprotection – Research suggests that CBD may help reverse or protect against the brain and liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption, in part by reducing lipid accumulation, modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing loss of brain neurons via its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

Medicinal cannabis is a healthy alternative to alcohol. By helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reducing alcohol-related liver and brain damage, CBD could improve both hepatic and neurocognitive outcomes in subjects with AUD, and allow people to avoid the severe health consequences of alcohol addiction.