From online promotions to doctor’s offices, it seems like CBD products are everywhere. You may even find CBD oil at your local convenience store. In fact, CBD products passed over $1 billion in retail sales in 2019, a 133% increase over the previous year. And one of the most popular products is CBD oil for pain management.
But pain management and drugs have a rocky history. One of the leading causes of opioid addiction stems from people using them for pain management. Thanks to the ongoing opioid epidemic, CBD oil has been met with some hesitation in the court of public opinion.
The truth is, the confusion around CBD oil is growing almost as fast as its sales. Whether you already use CBD oil for pain management or want more information about getting started, we can help you get up to speed. To learn more about CBD oil for pain management and how it relates to addiction, keep reading.
What is CBD Oil and How is it Used for Pain Management?
Before we dive into its relationship with addiction, let’s go over what CBD oil is and how it treats pain. CBD is a chemical compound from the cannabinoid family that naturally appears in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not have the psychoactive effects (or high) – a big reason why its use for pain relief is growing in popularity.
CBD oil is often used for pain since it can be absorbed through the skin. Your body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that acts as the base for your body’s natural cannabinoids. While more research is needed, there are signs that CBD oil can change how your body regulates pain.
To be more specific, CBD oil stops the body from absorbing anandamide, a natural chemical that regulates pain. An increase in this chemical could reduce the amount of pain you feel.
Is CBD Oil Safe?
Given its relation to marijuana, CBD oil makes people worry about drug abuse and addiction. Even though some minor side effects such as dry mouth and feeling lightheaded have been reported, CBD oil is not toxic. Before you use CBD oil for pain management, it’s important to talk with your doctor first. This is especially important if you are currently in recovery.
Types of Pain CBD Oil is Used For
1. Arthritis Pain
When it comes to arthritis and CBD oil, there are two specific receptors that are important. CB1 and CB2 have been reported to react to CBD oil. These receptors have a direct role in how your body handles inflammation. And lowering the amount of inflammation in the body can provide relief for people suffering from arthritis.
2. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and the nerves in your eyes. The brain doesn’t send the signals throughout your body correctly, which can result in severe pain. How does CBD oil come into play? CBD oil has been shown to help relieve the pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis. For example, CBD oil can help mitigate the severity of muscle spasms, one of the most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
3. Chronic Pain
One of the most common uses for CBD oil is to manage chronic pain. Unlike opioids, CBD oil is not as habit forming and does not give the user a “high”. Another benefit is that your body is less likely to build up a tolerance to CBD oil. This lowers the chances of it becoming habit-forming when compared to other drugs or medications.
CBD Oil and Addiction Treatment
Due to the increased and effective use of CBD oil for pain management, there is newborn interest to find other uses for this natural pain reliever. CBD oil is now being tested as a way to help manage cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms in addiction treatment.
If found successful, CBD oil may become an alternate way to treat substance abuse and limit the amount of discomfort people feel when struggling with cravings and withdrawal. While this testing is still early and the long-term effects of CBD oil aren’t fully known, it has the potential to become a natural pain reliever and tool for trying to find lasting recovery from addiction.
The Raleigh House Uses Holistic and Evidence-Based Treatment for Your Recovery
If you or your loved one is suffering from substance abuse, The Raleigh House can help. At our serene wellness lodge just 15 minutes outside of Denver, we use the most evidence-based and holistic treatments possible. This approach includes individual and group therapy sessions, experiential therapy and a natural, healthy pro-recovery nutrition regimen.
At The Raleigh House, we know how difficult it can be to ask for help. But with the right treatment program and support team guiding you every step of the way, you can achieve sobriety and work towards lasting recovery.
Our friendly admissions team is ready to hear your story and help you get your treatment and recovery started. Learn more about our admissions process and how our evidence-based and holistic approach to addiction treatment can support your recovery. Contact us today or call us directly for more information.
