CBD AND THC TO EASE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL

As I have discussed previously, I am amazed by the many medical conditions the cannabis plant has benefit for. We see progress using medical cannabis as an alternative and/or complimentary therapy for many chronic illnesses. As you will read below we are finding CBD and THC beneficial in easing withdrawal symptoms in substance abuse cases.

I have just followed up with a 37 year old male patient of mine. He has numerous substance abuse issues, the most recent being the consumption of close to 30 shots of hard liquor daily. After several failed attempts at traditional rehab facilities he elected to attempt rehab at home with support.

Following our consultation, we agreed he should start with a combination of CBD and THC administered by capsule. As expected, the first 24 hours were challenging, but following this initial period of time he has done very well. In fact, he is no longer drinking alcohol and has also chosen to stop taking the cannabis. Wanting to maintain complete sobriety, he felt this was the best choice.

How does this relate to other substance abuse cases?

This issues faced by this patient are quite common. From both the perspective of rehab and substance withdrawal difficulties as well as a struggle in deciding if cannabis can be part of a sober life. This is clearly not a trivial question, but there is one issue that is often neglected. In my professional experience, cannabis can continue to be of help with sobriety in patients who continue to have mood issues or even cravings for the specific feeling they received from an addiction.

Author

Allan Frankel, MD