The safety and appropriateness of using cannabidiol (CBD) while maintaining addiction recovery depend on your circumstances, the nature of your alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), and the advice of healthcare professionals. While CBD is generally considered safe and non-intoxicating, is it also a little like being “California Sober”? Here are several factors to consider when evaluating its use in the context of recovery.
Understanding CBD
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana, it doesn’t produce a “high.” Harvard Health states that “while CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it’s derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory.” Products are widely available in various forms, such as oils, gummies, creams, and capsules.
Harvard also cites a report from the World Health Organization which says, “in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential….to date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Some studies suggest that CBD has possible therapeutic benefits, such as:
- Anxiety and stress management. Anxiety and stress are common triggers for relapse in addiction recovery. Preliminary research points to CBD having anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, which could help individuals manage related triggers more effectively.
- Alleviation of chronic pain. “Increasingly, human studies are substantiating the claims that CBD helps control pain,” Harvard reports. “One animal study from the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to skin. Other research identifies how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult to treat.”
- Reduction in cravings. CBD may help individuals manage cravings, particularly if they’re in recovery from opioids and stimulants, which could potentially support long-term recovery efforts.
- Support for sleep disorders. Insomnia and other sleep issues persist in recovery. As with anxiety symptom management, CBD has been shown to promote better sleep in some individuals, which could enhance overall well-being and resilience.
- Neuroprotective properties. In research primarily focused on traumatic brain injury recovery, CBD has been studied for its ability to modulate the brain’s reward system and protect against neurotoxicity caused by substance abuse, which might aid in recovery.
Is CBD Safe to Use in Recovery?
While CBD products may present potential benefits for individuals managing AUD or SUD, their use requires careful consideration. Consulting with healthcare professionals and aligning with personal recovery goals are essential steps to ensure that CBD is used responsibly and effectively, if at all.
Here are a few key factors researchers point to:
- Lack of regulation. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD product—a prescription seizure control medication. Otherwise, the CBD industry isn’t uniformly regulated, leading to a lot of variability in product quality. Some products may contain THC or other compounds that could compromise recovery efforts, especially if your SUD management necessitates avoiding mind-altering substances. It’s also important to confirm that products have a certificate of analysis that confirms the nature of the ingredients. These requirements vary by state.
- Psychological triggers. While CBD itself is non-intoxicating, using cannabis-derived products might be problematic for people with cannabis addiction or those sensitive to drug-related cues.
- Interactions with medications. The FDA also states that CBD can interact with medications commonly prescribed during recovery, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for pain management. These interactions affect the efficacy of medications or lead to unintended side effects.
- Dependence and habit formation. Although CBD isn’t considered addictive, reliance on any substance, even for therapeutic purposes, may counter the principles of certain recovery programs emphasizing complete abstinence. If you’re in a 12-Step program like Marijuana Anonymous or an equivalent, it’s important to consider the philosophy of sobriety and if using CBD consistently on any level meets your goals.
Learn More About Healthy Living From Willingway
The primary treatment philosophy at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations is to use evidence-based practices with enhanced lifestyle and wellness methods. While our board-certified professionals recommend abstinence for healthy living, some holistic therapies may be helpful as well.
Ultimately, the decision to use CBD in addiction recovery is deeply personal and should be approached with a balance of caution and curiosity. By fostering open communication with your addiction specialists, peer support group sponsor, and healthcare team—and choosing to follow research over marketing claims—you can make the right choice for you. If we can be of any help, please visit one of our continuing care support groups throughout the Southeast to learn more.