In Italy, they are approx 8.6 million consumers who risk alcohol addiction, as well 60 thousand alcohol addicts taken care of by specialized health services e 17 thousand the people who they die every year due to alcohol.
Quitting a substance, especially if you are addicted to it, is a challenging process full of pitfalls. Research suggests that the CBD, known for its therapeutic effects, can help reduce alcohol consumption and the resulting damage to the body.
The CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule present in large quantities in the cannabis plant and which, unlike THC, it has no doping effects and it does not generate addiction, on the contrary, it is often used to get out of it.
How alcohol affects the endocannabinoid system
We all have a endocannabinoid system (SEC), composed of endogenous cannabinoids, similar to the phytocannabinoids of cannabis, CB1 and CB2 receptors and enzymes, which deals with thehomeostasis. That is, to maintain the internal balance of the organism.
In a 2007 study conducted on rats it was found that alcohol consumption, both short-term and long-term, affects endocannabinoid levels in the brains of the animals examined. Particularly in areas of the brain related to emotions and those associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Another study from 2005 suggests that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in alcohol use disorder so much so that the authors of the research underlined the importance of deepening such research to help experts formulate valid therapies for this condition.
Can CBD reduce alcohol consumption?
Although the available studies are still very limited, initial research shows that CBD can be used for treat alcohol addiction, reducing the desire and negative effects on the individual.
One study of 2019 analyzed CBD because, as experimental data suggests, it could be used in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and for protect the liver and brain from damage resulting from excessive consumption.
As we read, “CBD could directly reduce alcohol consumption in subjects with AUD and, by reducing steatosis processes in the liver and brain damage both related to alcohol, CBD could improve both hepatic and neurocognitive outcomes in subjects with AUD."
Cannabidiol to control alcohol cravings
A 2021 study of 120 people who used both alcohol and cannabis found that those who took CBD drank on fewer days overall, and when they did, they consumed less alcohol of others. This suggests that CBD may curb the obsessive compulsive desire to constantly drink alcohol.
Furthermore, CBD works mitigating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It promotes natural relaxation of the body, calms anxiety and insomnia. With antiemetic properties, it effectively combats the sensation of rejection. It is obvious that by managing to limit the effects of an alcohol addiction, it will also be easier to do without it.
CBD to limit alcohol-induced liver damage
Excessive alcohol consumption puts a strain on the body and in the long term can lead tohepatitis, or liver disease, alcoholic. That is, a progressive inflammatory process that damages the liver.
And here CBD, according to a 2019 review, in addition to reducing its consumption in people suffering from alcohol use disorders, can also prevent inflammation and liver damage due to prolonged and disproportionate intake.
Does CBD have any side effects?
Cannabidiol is a safe product and well tolerated by the body. When it comes to side effects of CBD is always referred to symptoms of a mild nature, csuch as dry mouth, tiredness and, in very rare cases, dizziness and intestinal disorders. Problems that, preferring only quality CBD products accompanied by a conscious use, they tend not to show up.
