Your medical cannabis journey simplified: find partnered dispensaries, explore pricing options, earn rewards, and get answers to FAQs, all in one spot.
September 7, 2022 08:00 am ETEstimated Read Time: 5 Minutes
Substance abuse is no joke. According to the American Addiction Center, 8.5 million American adults suffered from a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously in 2017. Finding a solution not only means more lives saved but also a reduced impact on the strained healthcare sector.
Someone who falls under the “substance abuse” category may drink copious amounts of alcohol, overindulge in illegal narcotics (like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine), or consume legal and addictive medications like opioids.
This is where cannabis comes in handy. While some people might frown upon the idea of treating a substance addiction with another intoxicating substance, science supports the idea. Specifically, the plant’s psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could be a worthy addition to one’s treatment plan.
What Happens With Alcohol Withdrawal?
Many avid supporters of cannabis substance rehabilitation programs back their arguments for such programs by drawing attention to the lack of efficacy associated with traditional recovery programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Conversely, the cannabis-focused model acknowledges that substance abstinence is an unachievable goal for some people, and therefore replacing drugs or alcohol with the plant presents a promising new approach.
Some examples of the most commonly reported symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are as follows:
Anxiety
Appetite loss
Depression
Excessive sweating
Hand tremors
Headaches
Insomnia
Irritability
Increased pulse above 100 beats per minute
Nausea and vomiting
Restlessness
What Happens With Drug Withdrawal?
The body will be catapulted off-balance if someone abruptly stops consuming some type of narcotic or alcohol that they otherwise consumed on a daily basis. Withdrawal symptoms will soon creep in, the severity of which depends on the type of substance being consumed and how much was being consumed.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the typical drug withdrawal symptoms since they vary based on the substance being abused. However, most people who go cold turkey on a substance will experience one (but usually more) of the following symptoms:
Anxiety
Confusion
Depression
Dilated pupils
Fatigue
Hunger or appetite loss
Insomnia
Irritability and agitation
Nausea
Paranoia
Seizures
Sweating
Vomiting
THC’s Benefits for Addiction Recovery
The rebirth of THC is well underway and this cannabinoid is certainly deserving of its place in the medical cannabis market. Since THC is a natural psychoactive compound, it makes sense that it would serve as a welcome substitute for people who are seeking a “high” or a sense of euphoria.
Apply For Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Veriheal has satisfied hundreds of thousands of patients nationwide
Get approved or your money back
Appointments available on-demand
Customer support available 24/7
Of course, the THC content of cannabis strains will impact the way a user feels, but this cannabinoid is renowned for lifting the mood and inducing feelings of relaxation—two feelings that substance abusers usually crave. With cannabis, no lethal dose has been reported, unlike with opioid medications.
While it might not be as abundant in therapeutic properties as its non-intoxicating cousin CBD (a cannabinoid that has been touted for its analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits) is, THC should not be shunned as a treatment option for certain medical conditions.
In fact, astudy conducted by researchers at the University of Mexico proved this. After collecting data using the ReleafApp, researchers found that “THC showed the strongest correlation with therapeutic relief and far less evidence for the benefits of relying on the more socially acceptable chemical, CBD.”
Titled “The Association between Cannabis Product Characteristics and Symptom Relief,” the study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Separate animal studies have also shown that both THC and CBD may effectively eradicate cocaine-craving and heroin-craving behavioral urges.
Considerations for Employees Who Use Cannabis
Recovering substance abusers whose job requires mandatory drug testing could find themselves in a sticky situation after overcoming substance abuse with THC. Why? Because cannabis can remain in the body for several days or, in some cases, weeks. Many employers don’t approve of their employees being under the influence of THC when in the workplace due to the fact this mind-altering cannabinoid may distort perception, affect reaction time, and impair coordination.
Cannabis products that contain more than 0.3% THC are still illegal under federal law. Although it is true that each person’s biochemistry, genetics, and weight may influence the overall experience, the same rule applies to everyone, so practice caution if you are planning on using THC for substance abuse recovery.
Final Takeaway
It’s inevitable that, even with damning evidence to support the use of cannabis for drug and alcohol recovery, arguments have cropped up in opposition to the practice. Opponents claim that the task of achieving sobriety is never fully accomplished if someone replaces one mind-bending substance with another.
However, those who approve of its use as a harm reduction strategy argue that the plant has never caused a fatal overdose, unlike alcohol and various types of drugs. Supporters also emphasize the fact that cannabis causes fewer drug interactions than alcohol and is likely less destructive for someone’s long-term health.
Bethan Rose is a cannabis advocate, writer and traveler with no permanent address. Currently based in Bali, she can usually be found curating cannabis content on her hammock.
Blunts: What are they exactly, and how do they affect your body? If you’re interested in smoking blunts—or already smoke them—this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about this popular cannabis intake method, including how they’re made, how they differ from spliffs and joints, risks of use, and alternative intake…
“Stoned,” “high,” “tripping,” and “baked,” are all terms engrained in the cannabis community. These metaphorical descriptions contribute to how we perceive, interpret, and learn from the experiences produced by cannabis consumption. Cannabis experiences, of course, are unique and highly variable. Specific plant strains, the presence of other cannabinoids, different delivery methods, and a user’s individual…
Thanks to the growing wave of legalization, more consumers than ever can grow their own cannabis right at home. Growing essentials that used to be secretive are now bought and sold freely. This includes items, like grow tents, nutrients, LED lighting, HPS lighting, ventilation, and more. Keeping all these items straight is hard enough, but…
Skin diseases plague millions of individuals, inflicting both physical discomforts in addition to mental and social stress. Thankfully, there is no shortage of skin treatment options available on the market. That said, this established market may soon be in for a major shake-up if recent cannabis research is any indication. Traditionally, cannabis research focused on studying…
As more states move toward legalization, accurately detecting impaired driving is of the utmost importance. Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) have long been the go-to method for law enforcement to assess driver impairment caused by substances like alcohol. However, a recent 2023 study published in JAMA Psychiatry raises serious questions about the accuracy of these tests…
We use our own as well as third party cookies to improve your site experience and the services we make available. You can learn more about our use of cookies in our Privacy Policy.
Content Disclamer
The statements made regarding cannabis products on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cannabis is not an FDA-approved substance and is still illegal under federal law. The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. We strongly recommend that you consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before using any cannabis products. The use of any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.