Study shows CBD helps against substance use disorder

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CBD is proving to be a positive treatment for a number of substance use disorders

A team of Australian researchers has pooled data available from a number of human and animal trials dealing with cannabidiol (CBD) and addiction. What they found was that CBD, the non-intoxication compound in cannabis, is able to reduce cravings, as well as the risk of relapse, for a number of addictions, including alcohol, opioids and tobacco.

Among the findings, researchers showed that the self-administration of alcohol was reduced by the consumption of CBD. At high levels – 120mg – the risk of relapse was reduced substantially. In a related study, CBD caused animal subjects to not be as responsive to stress-induced triggers and that those effects lasted for as many as 138 days.

Additionally, CBD inhalers “significantly reduced the number” of cigarettes that were smoked by subjects in another test. Those smokers who consumed CBD were also less susceptible to cigarette cues after abstaining from tobacco for even one night.

Another study conducted on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) “demonstrated to be more effective than CBD in inhibiting morphine abstinence syndrome in mice.”

As a result, the researchers concluded that CBD can enable individuals with substance use disorders to reduce their consumption of harmful substances. This, they assert, is because of the interaction between CBD and the body’s endocannabinoid system.

However, the researchers point out that CBD alone may not be enough. They state, “CBD alone may not be sufficiently effective in maintaining long-term abstinence without ongoing support and behavioral therapy. A combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy may increase treatment potency and adherence, and CBD may be better suited as an adjunct treatment to primary behavioral or psychosocial therapy.”


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