If there’s one thing that mental health professionals know, it’s that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all equation. Each person is different, meaning each individual has their own path to a state of long-term recovery. For addiction treatment centers, this provides numerous ways to cultivate rehab programs with unique products like CBD that can help certain patients find their comfort zone during addiction recovery. So can CBD help you during your addiction recovery? Discover more about its benefits and how to incorporate it into your recovery plan.

What Is CBD Exactly?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been a game changer for many people, creating similar effects and health benefits as marijuana without the same psychoactive or mind-altering effects. Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is also non-addictive in its purest form, creating a unique product that can theoretically help control cravings and aid in the addiction recovery process. While approved by the FDA only for seizures, CBD is widely believed to have plenty of benefits that make it worthwhile for individuals with anxiety or other mental health conditions. Naturally, this versatility has led many to believe it can help individuals dealing with substance abuse or addiction.

Is There Evidence That CBD Can Help During Addiction Recovery?

If you’re battling an addiction, you’re keenly aware of the various symptoms and side effects you must deal with to get towards recovery. With its many benefits, CBD can theoretically help individuals by calming some of these symptoms and making it easier to withdraw from the addictive substance. These benefits include:

  • Alleviating pain 
  • Stabilizing and improving your mood 
  • Promoting better sleep patterns 
  • Calming certain withdrawal symptoms 
  • Protecting against cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases

Two of the biggest factors to overcome during the recovery process are irresistible cravings and the withdrawal phase. CBD can not only help reduce physical discomfort, but it can reduce anxiety and stress related to drug cues, one of the main symptoms of withdrawal. CBD also impacts the brain circuitry that controls drug cravings and drug-related behaviors. While the substance may not be effective with all withdrawal symptoms, it can significantly reduce the impact of nausea, emotional distress, and physical discomfort, helping individuals to sleep better, keep their moods stable, and increase their appetites. This can make the recovery path smoother and much easier to endure. 

Is CBD Safe to Use During Recovery?

For many people who are unaware of what CBD actually is, you might wonder if it can lead to a relapse or some other dangerous outcome. Fortunately, what makes CBD so great is that it doesn’t lead to a “high” as its counterpart THC would. This means it’s a non-addictive substance and something that is very safe to use.

But there are still some things you should keep in mind while considering CBD use. Does the substance still taste like marijuana, or was it changed into some other flavor? Even though CBD doesn’t cause a high, some patients might believe it does, changing the effectiveness of the substance. Regardless of what condition you’re in or how you view CBD, be sure to discuss it with your mental health professional to determine whether it can benefit you.

With Steps to Recovery, You Can Find the Perfect Solution to Help You Recover From an Addiction

Dealing with addiction can be stressful, but there are many solutions to help you take back control over your life. With help from a team of experienced medical professionals like the ones at Steps to Recovery, you can experiment with CBD and various other formulas to make the most of your addiction rehabilitation. Reach out to us today by filling out our contact form, or give a call to Steps to Recovery at 267.209.7312 for more information on how to get the help you need today.

 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/ 

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/substance-use-disorder/cannabis-cbd-for-addiction-recovery 

https://encorerecovery.com/taking-cbd-while-in-recovery/