Can Cannabis Treat Alcoholism?

by JILL COLBY

While alcoholism is not technically a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card in the state of Utah, cannabis is still widely known to help reduce the dependence on opioids and even alcohol. Alcoholism can be a side effect to PTSD, chronic pain, and other chronic illnesses, which are qualifying conditions. To see the full list of qualifying conditions, you can see the complete list here.    

Alcoholism Defined

Alcoholism can be broadly defined as a disease characterized by addiction to alcoholic beverages, resulting in impaired social functioning such as social isolation and inability to hold a job and damage to the liver, heart, and nervous system. Those struggling with alcoholism may put alcohol before relationships, incur increased amounts of debt, and rely on alcohol in order to go throughout the day. 

Cannabis and Treating Alcoholism

Cannabis for alcoholism may reduce drinking and related health problems among alcohol-dependent individuals. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive alterations. Cannabis may protect against damage to the brain due to withdrawals by stepping in to help repair neurons and to work as an antidepressant. Excessive alcohol consumption breaks down cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for regulating the immune system, mood, sleep, memory, metabolism and sensory processing. On the other hand, when cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids flood the bloodstream looking for a cannabinoid receptor that they can bind with. Cannabinoids work to put any cannabinoid receptor that's off balance back into balance, thus protecting the brain from the damaging effects of alcohol. 


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What’s Next

Studies also suggest that CBD combined with cannabis may even be a more powerful combination to heal from alcoholism. CBD works to help more endocannabinoids survive in the bloodstream. If you are struggling with alcoholism due to PTSD, chronic pain, or another qualifying condition, you may consider speaking with your doctor or medical marijuana pharmacist to discuss how cannabis can help. Your medical marijuana pharmacist can recommend something specific to your needs.

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