CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in plants of the cannabis family. While many find CBD doses to be calming and others use the product for pain or anxiety, it is not a euphoria-inducing product like THC. If it can’t get you high, does CBD help or harm sobriety?
Addiction is indicated by need. If you really want that cup of coffee, you may just be someone who enjoys coffee. If you get a terrible headache when you don’t get coffee, you’re probably addicted. Because coffee is legal and it doesn’t severely damage your ability to keep yourself and those around you safe, the long-term risks of caffeine addiction are limited. There are other legal drugs, such as alcohol, that can eventually destroy your life by reducing your ability to be a safe and responsible adult. How is CBD different from alcohol?
Tolerance and Need
CBD is not addictive insofar as you can’t build up a tolerance for it. Many who struggle with addiction to opiates, from prescription pain medications to heroin, find that the first high is the one that they chase. If you can build up a tolerance for any product, you will need more to get the same rush the next time you use.
It should be noted that you can train yourself to rely on CBD. For example, if you struggle with anxious thoughts and can’t fall asleep, you may take CBD before bed. There are many other folks who fall asleep after an alcoholic beverage. While one dropper of CBD under your tongue can work each night for a year, one drink will cease to be enough; you will need two cocktails to sleep as easily and long-term health risks will grow over time.
When CBD Can Help
If you have been through the anguish of detox and the work of rehab, you may have a personal zero-tolerance policy and that may work for you most days. However, you may have physical or mental health challenges that make some days really tough. For example, you may have nerve pain after surgery or an accident. You may be determined to avoid opiates but struggle to manage the situation with NSAIDs or other over-the-counter medication.
Microdosing with CBD can be an option. For example, you can take 1/2 a CBD gummies with the largest meal of your day to create a slow-release situation to reduce the transmission of pain information from the damaged site to your brain. Many people use a full dose of CBD for sleep. A partial dose of CBD can allow you soothing results without drowsiness. A very simple tool for microdosing CBD is a vaping pen. Not only can you be sure of the purity of the product by buying a sealed tool, but instead of the full 25 puffs, you can take just one or two to quiet physical pain or anxious thoughts.
Another option for pain management is to use a topical CBD product. Roll-ons can be used directly on a healed incision site, creams can be used on inflamed skin, and lotions can be used on swollen, sore joints.
Be Aware of Risks
It should be noted that CBD can product side effects. If you are on blood pressure medications or blood thinners, discuss your interest in CBD with your physician. Your prescription medications may not work and play well with CBD and the risks can be extreme.
Finally, make sure that your CBD products are pure. You want to buy products from producers that offer 3rd party testing. If you vape and mix your own vaping juices, it’s critical that you handle all materials as directed. Never attempt to cross over with your CBD products. The oil that goes under your tongue should never go in a vaping tool and will not work on your skin. Just as you would never ingest a skin cream, never try to smoke CBD oil.
If you are worried that CBD use will trigger a relapse and you can manage your symptoms, keep going. Talk with your sponsor or your therapist as applicable about your interest in CBD. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 772-266-5320.
