Changing Habits : Giving up Alcohol with CBD

Most of us enjoy a drink, whether we are relaxing after a busy work day or socialising with friends, alcohol makes us feel at ease and society, for the most part, endorses it. 

What alcohol actually does in the body is to act as a central nervous system depressant, which despite feeling good, ultimately stresses the body. Over time, too much alcohol creates other stresses; weight gain, liver toxicity, digestive problems and punishing hangovers.

Overindulgence in alcohol affects us adversely, but giving up is notoriously hard to do.  Luckily, CBD has been shown to help with addictive and compulsive tendencies and has attributes which support sobriety. We’ve put together seven ways CBD can help when you are giving up or moderating alcohol consumption.

CBD Outperforms Alcohol

When we use alcohol to relieve stress or anxiety it works in the short term by depressing the response ability of the central nervous system. Unfortunately when the alcohol wears off the stress levels rebound. CBD acts differently, modulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is the body’s regulating system controlling stress, pain, mood etc. So where alcohol can be seen as a sedative action CBD stimulates a stabilising action, restoring balance and relieving stress. 

Better Sleep

Alcohol use often leads to sleep issues, from bladder issues to insomnia and nausea. CBD works well as a sleep aid when anxiety or overactive mind are the problem. A broad spectrum CBD product will give extra support, particularly with CBN included, a cannabinoid many favor as a sleep aid.

CBD supports Gut and Brain Health

Anybody who has ever had a few drinks too many, knows first hand how the brain and the gut suffer from overindulgence. The brain suffers impairment from excessive alcohol, memory loss is a common complaint along with hangover headaches which are caused by dehydration, inflammation and the buildup of toxins in the brain. CBD however doesn’t have a painful after effect, but it does support cognitive function and will alleviate hangover symptoms in the brain by reducing inflammation and restoring cellular balance. 

The gut has a similar relationship to alcohol and CBD, where alcohol can disrupt and inflame the digestion CBD restores balance and relieves inflammation.

Pain Relief

As alcohol depresses the central nervous system it has the ability to relieve pain, and is often used for muscular pain, backache and the dreaded toothache. However, drinking for pain relief is not recommended for the obvious reason of intoxication, which renders normal activities suspended. CBD however will work on inflammation and relieve pain without affecting cognition or emotional control.   

CBD for Addiction   

Alcohol is addictive, not to everybody, but an addiction to alcohol will create serious health issues. CBD on the other hand is non-addictive and clinical research has proved it has anti-addictive capabilities with both alcohol and narcotic addictions. A 2024 clinical trial showed CBD radically reduced alcohol cravings in AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) subjects due to  anti-addictive, anti-compulsive Stress- relieving actions.

CBD for Socializing 

 One of the most common complaints about sobriety is experiencing social awkwardness without Dutch Courage.

The good news is that CBD is extremely effective for creating a stress free and enjoyable social event without drinking. A CBD mocktail is the easy way to enjoy sobriety; create an ambient sense of wellbeing with sparkling water and a few drops of bitters and CBD tincture that will last all evening. Or try a CBD-rich cookie or gummy for relaxation or socialising. Vape pens are very useful for quick relief as the effect is felt almost immediately. Vaping a blend of CBD and THC can be particularly helpful and relaxing, a 1:1 ratio or 4:1 or 8:1 are what we usually recommend for this kind of situation, where compulsion needs to be replaced with contentment!

One of the most unique aspects of cannabis is the overlap between medicinal and recreational value. CBD relieves anxiety which is perhaps why substituting CBD for alcohol works so well. If only all medicine felt so good!

Sources:

Acute cannabidiol administration reduces alcohol craving and cue-induced nucleus accumbens activation in individuals with alcohol use disorder https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39668256/

Cannabidiol alters psychophysiological, craving and anxiety responses in an alcohol cue reactivity task: A cross-over randomize controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39891614/

Treating Addiction with CBD

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

CBD for Cats and Dogs

Our pets are family members and it breaks our hearts to see them suffering from ill-health, injury or old age. The good news is that CBD (Cannabinidiol) is a safe effective natural treatment for a wide range of conditions for both cats and dogs.

In fact, all vertebrates, including birds and even fish have an ECS ( Endocannabinoid System), and  paleo-biologists have identified ECS in creatures that lived millions of years ago.

The ECS plays the important role of maintaining communication and balance between our organ systems. Naturally there are differences between the human ECS and the ECS of any other creature, but the homeostatic function is identical. Fortunately for us animal lovers, in the last few years there have been a number of clinical trials to ascertain CBD’s efficacy in treating our pets safely & effectively for a variety of conditions.

Synergy Wellness’s CBD Pet Oil has become a household essential for many members & staff with cats and dogs. We recommend CBD for a range of conditions: arthritis, anxiety, recovery from shock, pain, injury and chemotherapy.

Using CBD Oil, I’ve successfully treated my own pets and our friends’ pets with CBD. Our dog Akira, a largish cross-breed, took CBD tincture for the last four years of his life, which enabled him to keep mobile and engaged in life despite hip dysplasia, arthritis and blindness. One of our cat’s, Toltec,  developed a distressing yowling habit when we moved apartments, which we treated with CBD Oil in wet food, which calmed him down and the yowling ceased!

More recently I suggested that our next-door neighbor try CBD Oil for her anxious 11 month old miniature Corgi. Phoebe was barking when she was left alone during the day and another neighbor had complained. I suggested they take her on a brisk walk before leaving for work and give her CBD oil in her food when departing. The combination has worked. Phoebe has stopped her barking jags- though she still lets us know she hears us put key to lock, because she is a good little guard dog!

What the Science tells Us

Many clinical trials on CBD in cats and dogs have been published in the last twenty years. Possibly the most significant study pertaining to both cats and dogs is the 2019 clinical trial at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine which investigated the pharmacokinetic action of CBD in both species. Pharmacokinetics is the science of how compounds are processed in the body, this clinical trial was designed to test the safety of CBD medication for cats and dogs.

The trial used eight healthy dogs and eight healthy cats, the dogs were given one 2mg CBD chew daily for twelve weeks and the cats were given a daily dose of a 2mg CBD-infused fish oil capsule. The results expressed through blood tests showed a dogs’ uptake of CBD is greater but cats retain CBD in blood plasma for longer. Interestingly,  dogs were observed to have more cannabinoid receptors than cats, which might account for the greater uptake in the canine subjects. When dosing, this translates to a larger dose, per pound, for cats than for dogs. It also explains the dramatic side effects for dogs who ingest high doses of THC cannabis- they get very stoned but, like humans, do fully recover. At Synergy we have witnessed dramatic improvement using our CBD oil, with no side effects, no matter the dose, as there is so little THC on board. For our furry friends unfortunate enough to be suffering from cancer or post surgical pain, a 4:1 olive oil tincture can be of benefit, without side effects, via careful titration.

Dogs have received most of the recent attention from the research community with clinical trials focussed on osteoarthritis, epilepsy, pain reduction, improved functionality and atopic dermatitis. Across the board CBD showed improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

As well, in March 2021, a Canadian study, on the safety and tolerability of CBD in escalating doses for cats, yielded positive results with oil-based tincture without significant side effects.

Seizures

Colorado State University’s 2018 study on dogs suffering epileptic seizures, showed 89% of participant dogs (who previously had two or more seizures a month), had significantly decreased seizures over the 6 week trial period. CBD showed benefit when used alone and/or in conjunction with typical seizure medications.

Stiff Joints, Arthritis and Hip Displasia

Dogs with arthritis have been studied in three recent trials at Cornell University, Colorado State University and in Ontario at the Canopy Growth Center of Human and Animal Research, all three studies reported reduction of pain, improved mobility and better quality of life. CBD decreases inflammation in joints easing arthritic pain and hip dysplasia in large breeds. A daily CBD supplement has enabled continuing walks and quality of life for many dogs including my own.

Skin Issues

CBD topical cream was tested in a clinical trial in 2020 for the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis, a painful condition which affects many dogs with allergies. The dogs were treated with CBD rich cream for seven weeks and the results showed significant decrease in symptoms. Oral ingestion has also been shown as helpful for itch & allergy and can be used alone or in concert with topical treatment (65% of dogs have at least a 50% decrease in itching & chewing, with half of those recovering fully from itch w/treatment!). There is also significant anecdotal evidence to support arthritic relief from massaging CBD-infused salve (ask for our HE salve) into painful joints or, for less mess, try an alcohol tincture applied using a spray top (#102).

Injuries

Pet owner’s accounts of animals responding positively to CBD treatment for injuries, attest to quicker recovery from surgeries, strains, inflammation as well as relief from pain and anxious symptoms.

 It is such a comfort to be able to alleviate pain and distress in animals, and as the trials and the anecdotal record show, CBD tincture taken at correct dosages will benefit cats and dogs with a variety of ailments and issues. Keeping dated notes on dosage amounts and perceived results will guide the pet’s treatment plan. We recommend our #711 CBD for Pets tincture for cats and dogs. At a 24:1 CBD: THC ratio, the tincture delivers a high dose of CBD in each drop of infused olive oil. Our pet product is made using the same high quality standards & ingredients as all our tinctures (small batch organic oil & flower infusions). Two to three drops per 10lbs of pet weight is a therapeutic dose for dogs (double for cats), added to food for optimum absorption.

Sources

Early Medical Practises https://www.drugtimes.org/cannabis-use/early-experiences-in-the-19-th-century.html

Safety and Tolerability is Escalating Cannabinoid doses in healthy cats https://www.canopyanimalhealth.com/en/research/cannabinoid-clinical-studies/safety-and-tolerability-in-healthy-cats

Study evaluates adverse effects of CBD in dogs and cats https://www.dvm360.com/view/study-evaluates-adverse-effects-of-cbd-in-dogs-and-cats

What you need to know about CBD and efficacy

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy