Alcohol abuse is a pervasive developmental disorder. Hence intervention and education are necessary to stop it. However, the desire to drink again and again continues in a loop. In many cases, individuals are unable to stop abusing alcohol.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and the complications that come with it are the blazing problems nowadays. AUD occurs when a person becomes addicted to alcohol and can not control the consumption limits. It badly affects the brain and liver. According to the World Health Organization, AUD causes more than 3 million deaths every year. AUD affects more than 14 million people over the age of 12 in the US, according to a 2019 survey. Maximum anti-alcohol addiction drugs cause several side effects and sometimes end up as addiction itself. Hence, the use of Cannabidiol is necessary to fight against Alcoholism. The most famous form of Cannabidiol is CBD Gummies.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is a natural component found in Cannabis sativa plants. Though it is an essential component of marijuana, it comes directly from the hemp plant. These plants contain over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol are two commonly known compounds in cannabis. Unlike THCs, CBD does not cause a high, all by itself. It has many medical benefits, some of which we will be discussing in the article today. CBD affects the brain. It also helps treat seizure disorder (epilepsy), anxiety, pain, dystonia, and various diseases. Recent researches claim that Cannabidiol can cure AUD and alcohol-related damage to the brain and the liver. With help from Field Queen, you can get your own CBD pills to help you get better.
How does alcohol affect the human brain?
We possess a system known as an endocannabinoid system (or ECS), which helps maintain balance in our bodies. This complex cell-signaling system includes receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Together they play a role in regulating brain functions like:
1. Sleeping
2. Mood swings
3. Appetite
4. Memory fictions
5. Reproduction and fertility
Endocannabinoids are molecules created by the human body according to its needs. But they are similar to cannabinoids. Cannabidiol binds to the receptors in the body and does its job. After they are done, enzymes help break them down.
In a 2007 study on rats, it was discovered that both long and short-term usage of alcohol affects endocannabinoids levels. The changes in the brain were connected to emotions and other factors directly associated with AUD. Another study in 2005 found that the CB1 and CB2 receptors of ECS affect AUD.
How does CBD help to reduce alcohol consumption and cure brain problems associated with it?
Researchers believe that CBD interacts with the ECS and prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids. The results of 2018 research on animals support this theory. The study found that CBD decreases impulsive behavior in rats with cocaine and alcohol addiction. The effects are long-lasting and could go up to 5 months. According to a test on mice, a low dosage of Cannabidiol and naltrexone (FDA-approved medication) could help treat AUD. According to a study, this combination was more effective at battling alcohol consumption than any of the products alone.
In 2019 a study on humans and animals showed that CBD helps people with AUD reduce their alcohol intake. The research also suggests CBD may provide neuroprotective effects against alcohol-related brain damage. But then, clinical trials will help to understand more about the effects of CBD in AUD.
As much as we can say, for now, Endocannabinoids are similar compounds like cannabinoids, if excess drinking of alcohol reduces the necessary amount of endocannabinoids in the human body. Cannabidiol may act as a supplement and prevent its unhealthy breakdown by enzymes. CBD also helps to tackle emotional and brain problems. So, the alcohol dependence of a person also decreases in this way.
How does CBD help to cure alcohol-related liver damage?
Drinking excessive alcohol is directly proportional to liver damage. It leads to a condition known as ARLD. ARLD (Alcohol-Related Liver Disease) could lead to liver failure, represent a crucial risk factor for liver cancer, and even cause death. Alcohol-attributable liver damage is responsible for 493,300 deaths every year which is 0.9% of all global deaths.
A study shows that CBD may not only reduce alcohol intake in humans but could also prevent liver inflammation. It may also protect the user from liver damage from excessive drinking. Animal studies also proved that CBD could significantly reduce liver steatosis and fibrosis induced by overdrinking of alcohol-based on its chemical properties.
However, the studies about this question were only animal-based studies. Human-based studies would be more helpful for the researchers to understand how Cannabidiol could help fight against liver damage due to excessive drinking.
Does CBD cause any side effects?
Small amounts of CBD usually do not have any extensive side effects. This property has led to many researchers studying more about its potential benefits. Rarely do CBD users have seen diarrhea, changes in weight, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild. But one should consult their doctor before trying Cannabidiol. Sometimes it can affect some of the regular medications that the individual is taking.
But, if you mix CBD and alcohol, it could lead to disastrous impacts on your health.
If you suffer from AUD and are interested in giving CBD a try, it is advisable not to use these two things together. In this kind of use, there’s a chance that both substances will enhance each other’s effects. For instance, both alcohol and CBD promote relaxation. So, using both together could lead to excessive sedative effects, harmful for health.
Is it legal and safe?
The selling of hemp products in the US has been legal since 2018. But this does not include every CBD product made from hemp. CBD is an approved prescription drug and safe. But The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD in the same way as in other prescription medications. For this reason, some companies sell fake products.
WHO (World Health Organization) said that Cannabidiol might not have any potential for abuse or addiction. Animal studies also suggest it helps treat addiction and is not addictive.
To understand what Cannabidiol could do in cases of substance use disorders, researchers need way more studies and time.
Conclusion
Cannabidiol has lots of potential to reduce alcohol consumption. It can help people fight Alcohol Use Disorder and cure brain damage caused by drinking. It helps treat liver problems occurring with AUD. CBD is a herbal product without any visible side effects. Hence, it can change millions of human lives. People should at least try it. Although, more research is still needed to know more about the benefits of CBD products.
Quality matters a lot as everything you take in ultimately decides your health. However, if you are investing in Cannabidiol products, make sure you buy them from a reputed company that guarantees you the quality of the product. Do some reviews and then judge the product accordingly. Make sure you consult with your physician before making any amends to your medical plans.
