From the Project CBD Archives:

CBD vs. Alcohol

An unfortunate slogan of the cannabis legalization movement has been “Regulate cannabis like alcohol.”

View all articles tagged “addiction”


From the Project CBD Patient Survey:

See the full survey here.

145 survey respondents reported taking CBD for addiction
49% Female | 48% Male | 3% Prefer not to say

Most participants using CBD for addiction reported being addicted to alcohol (68%), tobacco (38%), and/or opiates (36%). A smaller percent reported being addicted to benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cocaine, sleeping medications, ketamine, food, sugar, caffeine, and high THC cannabis. A majority of participants using CBD for addiction (55%) reported having more than one addiction. The most common combinations were alcohol and tobacco, alcohol and opiates, and opiates and tobacco, in that order. Participants taking CBD for addiction were very likely to report that they were also taking CBD for mood issues (78%), pain (69%), sleep problems (58%), and PTSD (30%).

Types of Addiction:

Participants were asked what their primary recovery goal was: to avoid a relapse (stop using the substance), use less of the addictive substance, or manage the symptoms of withdrawal/detox. Most stated that they were trying to abstain from their addictive substance(s).

Primary Goal of Recovery:
  • 70% “I’m trying to abstain/avoid a relapse.”
  • 23% “I’m trying to use less of the substance I’m addicted to.”
  • 7% “I’m trying to get through detox or withdrawal.”

CBD appeared to be extremely helpful for getting off and staying off opiates. This is consistent with observational studies that have noted that many patients voluntarily decrease the number of opiates they are using—or go off opiates completely—when they use them in conjunction with cannabis, as well with animal and preclinical studies suggesting that cannabis and CBD may reduce the risk of relapse.

CBD was also reportedly helpful for reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption. It was comparatively less helpful as a smoking cessation aid. Twenty-four percent of tobacco users experienced no change, and 4% report using more tobacco after introducing CBD.

Changes in Substance Use:
substance-use-changes


Scientific Research on CBD & Cannabis for Addiction/Alcoholism: