Drinking too much is a serious and potentially life destroying problem that leads to thousands of alcohol related deaths per year. Many sufferers of alcoholism are fortunate enough to go to facilities for alcohol addiction treatment in Toronto. Such centers can help those who have lost control of their life due to alcohol and allow them to live a normal life again. While not everyone who has had issues with alcohol may require such an option, it is always a good idea to cut back your drinking if it’s having negative effects on you and those you care about.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, likely the most well-known component found in cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive effects. In other words, it doesn’t produce a “high” and is used for other reasons. It’s been a hot topic for quite some time, with celebrity endorsements and other positive coverage. Uses can include relieving pain or nausea, and it can be therapeutic for those suffering from alcohol addiction. To understand how this is possible, it’s first important to understand the effects of alcohol addiction and how it works.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcoholism, typically referred to as alcohol use disorder, is a condition that occurs when one drinks so much that their body becomes dependent on the substance. At this point, alcohol becomes a person’s highest priority. They will have full knowledge of the negative effects of alcohol on themselves and loved ones, but they will continue to drink anyway.
The exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, as many who drink never experience it, but it essentially involves chemical changes in the person’s brain. These changes increase the pleasurable effects a person gets from alcohol, causing them to drink higher amounts and more often, even when it is causing obvious harm. Alcohol use disorder will develop and worsen over time and has been known to run in families.
Risk factors
The biggest risk factor for developing alcoholism is drinking itself, obviously. Binge drinking, as defined by having more than five drinks per day, increases one’s chances of developing alcoholism, as does drinking more than the recommended weekly amount. Mental health issues like depression and extreme anxiety can increase a person’s odds of developing a drinking problem, as well.
Negative effects
Excessive alcohol use has short and long term negative effects on the brain. Short term effects can be easily observed when a person is intoxicated, but someone who drinks heavily for a long period may continue to experience negative effects long after becoming sober. In addition to the effects on the brain, extreme alcohol use significantly increases a person’s chances of developing liver disease, and it can result in general poor health.
Those with alcoholism will generally suffer withdrawal effects when they attempt to stop drinking. These are unpleasant changes that affect the body when the supply of alcohol is cut off. They can include, but are not limited to, tremors and shakes, nausea, headaches, seizures, and even delirium tremens (DTs). Symptoms of DTs can include severe sweating, irrational thoughts, disorientation, and hallucinations. Such effects are among the key reasons alcohol can be so difficult to quit.
How can CBD help?
New scientific research suggests that CBD can be useful for those who are trying to stop drinking or decrease their usage. It is also suggested that the compound can be useful for protecting a person’s liver and brain from the damaging effects of alcohol. CBD can be used to limit the harshness of withdrawal symptoms, which can make it significantly easier for a person to quit in the short term. It can also help reduce the stress and anxiety that can cause a person to turn to alcohol in the first place. It has been found that those who use CBD are less likely to relapse, as well.
If you’re interested in taking CBD to help with drinking, consider reading reviews from CBD experts to ensure you select the product that best fits your needs. You can learn more about these products by clicking here.
Excessive consumption of alcohol can have many negative physical and mental side-effects. If you are suffering from substance abuse, consult with a doctor to set a plan of action to overcome your habits. Whether you choose to CBD products or take some time to recover in a facility, know that you are taking the right steps toward a full recovery.