English
As research now shows, CBD oil could help alcoholics reduce their abusive drinking and limit alcohol-related damage to the liver and brain:
The most popular cannabinoid in industrial hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), is widely known for its potential pain-relieving properties. It helps some patients wean themselves off harmful and addictive medications. Although cannabinoids could also be useful in treating other addictions. As research now shows, CBD oil could help alcoholics reduce their excessive drinking and limit alcohol-related damage to the liver and brain:
CBD oil reduces alcohol consumption
The most popular cannabinoid in cannabis—cannabidiol (CBD)—reduces the urge to drink alcohol. This was demonstrated by a team of French and Belgian researchers in this 2019 study examining the potential effects of the main component of CBD oil on alcoholics. Furthermore, these scientists report that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid has liver- and brain-protective properties that help limit alcohol-related liver and brain damage.
To reach these conclusions – published in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Pharmacology – the researchers looked at 26 research papers published between 1974 and 2018. All studies focused on the effects of CBD in animals given alcohol (ethanol) consumption. Here they found multiple documents proving that cannabinoids actually reduce alcohol intake. In one study, mice given cannabidiol showed reduced motivation to perform a trick that would give them access to an 8% alcohol solution.
Effects on various aspects of alcoholism
Although the effect of CBD on alcohol abuse appears to go far beyond that.
As other studies have shown, mice that received regular doses of plant-based CBD did not revert to alcohol abuse after stopping drinking. This was true even in stressful situations, which often trigger relapses in alcoholics in real life.
The researchers explain: “Given its impact on various aspects of alcoholism (including alcohol intake, motivation to quit, relapse, anxiety, and impulsivity), CBD could have a significant effect on drinking behavior in individuals with alcohol use disorders.” It could be useful for collecting data on both excessive and chronic alcohol abuse, to provide a better understanding of exactly how it might help. They also encourage a large clinical trial to test new substances that could reduce the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
CBD oil for repairing liver and brain damage
In addition, the French/Belgian research team found evidence suggesting that cannabis oil actually reduces inflammation in the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption. This was demonstrated in a study of mice that were given either alcohol and cannabidiol or alcohol alone. As a result, the mice treated with CBD had less liver damage compared to the mice that did not receive cannabinoid treatment.
The authors of the study cite: “CBD appears to have valuable therapeutic properties for the treatment of ethanol-induced liver injury through various mechanisms. Including reducing oxidative stress, controlling inflammation and reducing the number of cells responsible for scar tissue formation.”
Although other studies also reveal other potential benefits of cannabinoids in relation to alcohol-induced harm. As discovered by scientists, cannabidiol could protect certain areas in the brain that are susceptible to alcohol-related damage. It is evidenced by the fact that the rats that received CBD lost significantly fewer brains in the so-called hippocampus and the endocortical cortex. In fact, the cannabinoid acted as a “neuroprotective antioxidant” in the brains of these rats. A phenomenon that also seems to occur in the liver. where CBD was shown to restore neurological and cognitive functions after acute liver failure.
Stimulation of CB2 receptors by CBD
The main reason for all these positive effects that cannabidiol may have on alcohol-related damage is the CB2 receptors, according to the study’s authors. They found that this was a common theme in the scientific reports they reviewed. These receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and can be found throughout the body.
To learn more about this complex system, check out our blog post: “How CBD Works: The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)”
Although more clinical research is needed to determine the true effects of CBD hemp oil on alcohol-related harms in humans. The authors of the study still believe that these are important findings. After all, there is no drug available that could repair the alcohol-related damage to the liver, nor the brain. While alcoholism is a growing problem worldwide, the search for treatment answers continues.
Finally, the scientists conclude: “CBD could have much more positive effects on people with alcohol problems. Including antiepileptic and cardioprotective properties and pain relief.” Showing that despite the lack of clinical research on the subject, it would certainly be helpful to try CBD oil when fighting alcoholism.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com
