Addiction remains one of the most challenging health crises worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and their families. Traditional treatment approaches include behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and counseling. Recent interest has emerged around CBD, as a potential aid in addiction recovery. Early research suggests that CBD targets the neurological and psychological underpinnings of dependency, offering therapeutic benefits for individuals struggling with alcohol, drug, and behavioural addictions
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. CBD interacts with the body’s endo-cannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system involved in regulating mood, pain, appetite, and memory and more—functions that are often disrupted in addiction.
CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors (particularly 5-HT1A), GABA, and the ECS reduces anxiety, stress, and cravings—key factors in both the development and relapse of addiction. Moreover, CBD has demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help heal the brain damage often associated with long-term substance use.
Alcohol Addiction and CBD
Research into CBD for alcohol addiction is still in the early stages but has shown promise. Preclinical studies in animals have demonstrated that CBD can reduce alcohol consumption, prevent relapse, and even protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage.
A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD reduced ethanol intake, motivation for ethanol, and relapse in rodent models. The same study also suggested that CBD could protect the liver from steatosis (fatty liver disease) caused by excessive alcohol intake. These findings have fueled calls for human clinical trials to explore CBD’s efficacy as an adjunct treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Opioid and Drug Addiction
Perhaps the most compelling evidence for CBD’s anti-addiction potential comes from its application in opioid addiction treatment.
A 2019 double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry examined CBD’s effects on individuals with heroin use disorder. Participants who received 400 mg or 800 mg of CBD daily for three days showed significantly reduced cue-induced craving and anxiety compared to the placebo group. These effects lasted up to a week after the final dose, suggesting lasting benefits beyond the immediate administration.
The researchers concluded that CBD’s ability to reduce craving and anxiety—without producing psychoactive effects or addiction liability—positions it as a novel therapeutic for opioid use disorder (OUD).
Here at Synergy Wellness we have seen heartening results for members weaning off opioid pain killers employing both CBD & THC. The analgesic properties of THC can be extremely helpful in the beginning of a weaning process to counter both withdrawal and latent pain. We like to couple THC with a daily dose of high CBD possibly taken independently from the THC or via a blended product. The CBD, at this point, serves to curb cravings as well as alleviate the inflammation feeding most chronic pain conditions but is not the primary driver providing analgesic relief. As the weaning process unfolds and daily doses of CBD have had time to weave endocannabinoid magic- lessening cravings, inflammation & anxiety…perhaps even helping heal injury/pain origins…. you can begin to titrate down the dose of THC while titrating up CBD consumption.
For example, a beginning protocall for someone not adverse to THC might look like this: After a morning dose of CBD oil or capsule, a full-strength analgesic THC product such as #129 Indica or the Grand Daddy Purple vape cartridge might be used, as needed, or on a 3-4 hour schedule to relieve pain. As the body adjusts to withdrawal and pain/nausea become less pressing but still difficult one might then move to a 1:1 tincture or vape. Further down the line, a 4:1 or 8:1 ratio can be employed if reduction of pain allows. Some folks may eliminate THC completely and find themselves thriving taking a once or twice daily dose of CBD - perhaps using different ratios, as needed, when activity or biology exacerbates injury or condition. The beauty of this reality lies in the facts: cannabis is not physically addicting, does not cause constipation or tooth decay and may even boost one’s long term neurological & disease resilience.
Stimulants and Nicotine
CBD has also been explored for treating stimulants (e.g., cocaine and methamphetamine) and nicotine addiction. Animal models have shown that CBD reduces cocaine-seeking behavior and may mitigate some of the neuro-cognitive deficits associated with long-term use.
In the case of nicotine addiction, a 2013 pilot study published in Addictive Behaviors found that smokers who used a CBD inhaler reduced their cigarette consumption by 40% over a week, while those using a placebo showed no reduction. Though preliminary, these findings point to CBD's potential role in helping individuals quit smoking, a habit with notoriously high relapse rates.
Best CBD Protocols for Treating Addiction
The method of CBD administration can significantly impact its effectiveness. Oral CBD (capsules, oils) provides sustained release, which may be beneficial for long-term management of cravings and anxiety. Sublingual tinctures allow for faster absorption and are ideal for acute symptom relief. Inhaled forms (vaporisers) offer rapid onset and can be extremely helpful when pain challenges commitments to quit but may not be suitable for individuals with a history of smoking or lung issues.
Researchers are still investigating which delivery method offers the best outcomes for addiction treatment, but most clinical trials to date have used oral CBD.
Clinical Trials and Ongoing Research
Though many findings are preliminary, interest in CBD’s therapeutic role in addiction continues to grow. Ongoing clinical trials are examining CBD for: Alcohol use disorder, Cocaine use disorder, Opioid use disorder and Cannabis use disorder
The results of these studies will help clarify optimal dosing, treatment duration, and combinations with behavioral therapies. Most experts agree that CBD is unlikely to be a standalone treatment, but rather a valuable adjunct to a comprehensive recovery plan.
CBD holds promise as a novel, non-addictive aid in the treatment of substance-use disorders. Research shows CBD reduces cravings, anxiety, and relapse rates across a range of addictions, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and nicotine. While more robust clinical trials are needed, exploring both CBD and her wilder sister THC, current evidence supports the integration of CBD into addiction treatment programs. As of the writing of this article, THC too, has become a topic of conversation and experimentation in the addiction world where cannabis, once a black sheep, is now being seen as a potentially useful tool in helping break deadly addictions. As science continues to unravel the potential uses of Medical Cannabis, it may become a key component in the future of addiction recovery.
References
● Hurd, Y. L., Spriggs, S., Alishayev, J., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(11), 911-922. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.18101191
● Turner, S. E., Williams, C. M., Iversen, L., & Whalley, B. J. (2019). Molecular pharmacology of phytocannabinoids. Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 108, 61–101. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16546-1_2
● Morgan, C. J., Das, R. K., Joye, A., et al. (2013). Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings. Addictive Behaviors, 38(9), 2433-2436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.03.011
● Mahmud, A., Gallant, S., Sedki, F., & Shalev, U. (2017). Effects of cannabidiol on cocaine self-administration and relapse: A systematic review. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 75, 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.01.018
