Substances that lead to dependence and addiction affect the pleasure centers of the brain, often making it so that people need to consume a substance to avoid experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. In many cases, people may also need to use more and more of a drug in order to continue experiencing the same euphoric effects that they initially felt. CBD’s burgeoning popularity has been fueled in part by the compound’s purported mental health-boosting properties. However, some people may hesitate to use such products for fear that CBD might have the same potential for addiction as cannabis. CBD may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood pressure medications. With this in mind, we recommend that anyone taking prescription medications or with certain health conditions speak to their healthcare provider to ensure CBD is safe for them.
Drug addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and the inability to control drug use despite negative consequences. It is a chronic relapsing condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Not only is CBD not addictive, according to the World Health Organization and some human trials, but it can also help individuals recovering from substance use disorders or addictions. If you’re concerned about CBD causing issues with your prescriptions, read our blog post on CBD and medication interactions, including a list of prescription medications CBD may interact with. Whether you use medical marijuana, hemp-derived CBD, or a combination of CBD and THC, begin with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase every few days.
Potential Risks
- For neuropathic pain, which can be especially challenging to treat, CBD shows promise in both animal studies and preliminary human trials.
- The old fable Goldilocks and the three bears is a story about just what happens when you’re too hot or cold.
- Addiction is a complex condition with a psychological and physiological need to seek out certain substances or behaviors despite harmful consequences.
- The effects of CBD can range significantly from one individual to the next due to genetics, lifestyle, potential drug interactions, and health conditions.
In general, CBD products contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the “high” that cannabis produces. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause intoxication or alter a person’s mental state. CBD may affect how your body processes certain prescription medications, especially blood thinners and seizure medications. CBD has become increasingly popular among seniors for various reasons, from pain management to improved sleep quality.
How to Choose Quality CBD Products
Many people say they’ll have an alcoholic drink to relax in social settings. While it’s socially acceptable behavior, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress is a dangerous habit and can increase one’s risk for developing a substance use disorder. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation and reward-motivated behavior.
How Much Sleep Do Seniors Need?
To determine the addictive potential of CBD, researchers have conducted numerous preclinical human and animal studies. These studies aim to investigate the effects of CBD on addictive behaviors in different phases of addiction, including intoxication, withdrawal, and relapse. The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Regular CBD use, on the other hand, may create tolerance, needing a greater CBD dose to achieve the same degree of effects. Stopping is cannabidiol addictive CBD use hasn’t been linked to withdrawal symptoms, therefore there doesn’t appear to be a link between CBD and alterations in the brain’s reward regions. While most major cannabinoids like THC and CBG bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are found throughout the body and deliver signals for the brain to interpret.
The legalized cannabis era has even cultivated a surprising conversational common ground. That family member you’re hoping doesn’t bring up politics at dinner? This is believed to be due to THC’s impact on dopamine release, which has been found in research to be similar to other addictive compounds. In fact, to experience the best effects from CBD, it’s recommended you take it every day.
What Does Sleep Have to Do With Aging? Everything.
Social anxiety can make it difficult for older adults to maintain important connections. Some seniors find that CBD helps them feel more comfortable in social settings without the sedative effects of anti-anxiety medications. If you’re going to use a cannabis product and are worried about addiction, consider speaking with your doctor about all your options. Only using a product infrequently and keeping the dosage low are two ways that you can be proactive and reduce your chances of dependence. However, it’s important to note that the only way to avoid addiction to cannabis products entirely is not to use them.
Characteristics of Addiction
CBD has a variety of benefits, but could fighting addiction be one of them? At this point, you’re probably wondering if CBD has the potential to be addictive. As you might have noticed, there are some overlaps between the benefits of CBD and THC. The primary difference is that THC produces a euphoric high, which may make it more suitable for moderate to severe symptoms.
