Part of the complete guide to understanding addiction
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in marijuana and hemp. While CBD does not produce a high, it may contain up to 0.3 % THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD has gained popularity over the past decade. The market is flooded with products containing CBD, such as sucking candies, protein powder, gummies, sprays, vapes, ointments and lotions. It is mainly used to help improve sleep and manage pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. But is CBD addictive? Join Avenues Recovery, leaders in addiction rehabilitation, as we uncover CBD addiction.
What Are the Effects of CBD?
These are some of the effects of CBD:
- Pain relief
- Stress relief
- Ease of depression and anxiety without feeling “high”
- Relaxation and balance
While most people tolerate CBD quite well, here are some possible negative side effects of CBD:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Is CBD Addictive?
Studies have shown that CBD is not addictive. According to a report from the World Health Organization [1], “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.” A small study in 2016 determined that while smoking or ingesting marijuana can increase heart rate and feelings of euphoria, CBD did not affect heart rate or cognitive function. In fact, it had more of a placebo effect. A placebo effect refers to a situation in which a person thinks that their medical situation has improved after taking a certain pill when it hasn’t.
Are CBD Gummies Addictive?
CBD gummies are not considered to be addictive on their own. CBD is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant, and it does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) [2], which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” feeling.
CBD gummies and other products containing CBD are generally derived from hemp plants, which have low THC levels (less than 0.3% in the United States) and higher CBD levels. These products are formulated to provide the potential health benefits of CBD without causing addiction or intoxication.
However, it’s essential to note that some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, and the quality and contents of CBD products can vary. In rare cases, a CBD product containing higher levels of THC or other substances may lead to dependency or addiction. To decrease the chance of addiction to CBD gummies, it’s advised to buy from reputable sources only so that you can ascertain that the THC level is below 0.3%.
Can CBD Help With Addiction Recovery?
There are four ways in which CBD can help with addiction recovery and the symptoms associated with it:
- Withdrawal Cravings – CBD has been found to help decrease withdrawal-induced cravings. It can also decrease the anxiety, restlessness and irritability that often come with transitioning from drug abuse to sobriety.
- Withdrawal from Drugs - A small body of research shows that CBD has helped some people deal with cocaine, meth (methamphetamine), opioid and psychostimulant addiction.
- Promotes Sleep Improvement – some people recovering from drug abuse have trouble sleeping. CBD helps people fall asleep and have a more restful sleep, leading to better recovery outcomes.
- Mood Improvement – CBD can help improve people’s moods. Since withdrawal can be difficult, taking a supplement that improves mood can help the process to go smoother.
What Does a CBD Addiction Look Like?
As mentioned previously, CBD (cannabidiol) is not considered physically addictive. Withdrawal from CBD does not produce the same symptoms or cravings that are associated with addictive substances like opioids or nicotine. However, psychological dependence on CBD is possible in some cases. CBD dependence can happen if a person relies on CBD to manage stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues and feels like they cannot cope without it. Psychological dependence is more about the emotional attachment to a substance than a physical need.
If someone feels that they have developed a dependence on CBD and are struggling to stop using it despite negative consequences, they should seek help and support from healthcare professionals. Addressing any underlying issues and finding healthier coping mechanisms is essential.
If you are concerned about your CBD use, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
Is CBD Oil Addictive?
To assess whether or not CBD oil is addictive, we first need to discuss what people use CBD oil for. CBD oil is used for vaping, as an ointment, or as drops added to a drink
People use CBD oil to relieve the following conditions:
- Pain
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Anxiety
Since CBD (cannabidiol) is not addictive, one cannot get addicted to CBD oil products. In the off-chance that the product has a high level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), there is a chance that one could become addicted to CBD. That’s why it’s important to purchase CBD from a reputable supplier who lists the contents and THC percentage in the oil you are buying. You want to purchase CBD oil with a THC content less than or up to 0.3%.
Can You Get Addicted to CBD?
CBD is generally considered to have a low potential for abuse and dependence. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis use. As a result, it is less likely to be abused for recreational purposes.
Research on the addictive potential of CBD is still relatively limited. Existing studies suggest that most people will tolerate it well and that it does not lead to addiction in the same way that substances like opioids or stimulants can.
Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?
Yes, it is possible to build a tolerance to CBD, as with many other substances. When you regularly consume CBD over an extended period, your body may become accustomed to its effects, leading to a reduced response to the same dose. This means you may need to increase the dosage to achieve the same level of relief or benefits that you initially experienced with a lower dose.
Tolerance to CBD can vary from person to person and may not affect everyone who uses it. The rate at which tolerance develops can also differ based on individual factors such as metabolism, frequency of use, and the method of administration.
If you’re developing a tolerance to CBD, taking a break from CBD use for a while is generally recommended. This period of abstinence allows your body to reset its tolerance, and when you resume CBD use after the break, you may find that lower doses are effective again. If you are worried about taking a break from CBD usage, you can discuss what your next steps should be with your health provider.
Is Withdrawal From CBD Difficult?
Withdrawal symptoms typically occur when someone stops using a substance their body has become dependent on, such as certain drugs or alcohol. Since CBD is not believed to be addictive, the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing its use is minimal.
However, it’s essential to remember that individual responses to substances can vary, and whether or not CBD is addictive, some people may still experience mild changes when they stop using it. These changes, if any, are more likely to be related to the return of the symptoms that CBD was helping to manage rather than CBD dependence. As with any concern related to substance dependence, feel free to reach out to us at Avenues Recovery for guidance and full support on your path to recovery!
Sources
[1] who.int
[2] en.wikipedia.org