Does CBD Help with Alcohol Withdrawal?

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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CBD and Alcohol Withdrawal: Myth vs Reality

Alcohol dependence causes changes in the body physically and emotionally. People who drink every day on a long-term basis might experience the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when they stop. Lately, some research points to CBD as a possible solution to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but is it based on fact or just a myth? 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active ingredient in the hemp plant. The hemp plant has over 500 chemical compounds, and CBD is only one of them. Some types of hemp have been used to make rope, clothing, and sails for ships throughout history. The type of hemp that most are familiar with is marijuana, which is hemp that contains a high percentage of the substance THC.

CBD alone will not cause a person to experience the “euphoric” effects that one gets from consuming or smoking the marijuana plant. The difference between marijuana that people consume to get “high” and other types of hemp is the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol contained in them. The type of hemp used to extract CBD contains a higher percentage of CBD and very little THC. Marijuana is considered to be a hemp plant that has more than 0.3% THC whereas hemp for CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC. It is unlikely that you will get intoxicated from CBD oil made from hemp grown for that purpose. 

Is CBD a Controlled Substance?

In 2018, U.S. Congress enacted the Agriculture Improvement Act, which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act on a federal level. This act removed hemp from the list of controlled substances. However, not all states have removed it from their own lists. This means that CBD is still a controlled substance in some states. 

You can find CBD oil on the open market in some states, but you need to be aware of its origins. CBD oil derived from hemp is legal in many states, but CBD oil made from marijuana is not. The difference between the two is how much THC the oil contains. CBD oil, which contains over the 0.3% level of THC, is still a controlled substance in many states. In some states, you need a physician’s prescription to obtain CBD oil, which in others is available in special stores. 

How to Know If You Are Addicted to Alcohol

For many, an occasional sip of wine or beer with a meal is not considered harmful, but some people tend to become addicted. Regular alcohol consumption becomes problematic when it causes harm to the person’s physical, mental, or social health. The symptoms range from mild to severe. When the symptoms are severe, it is sometimes called alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder (AUD). 

Individuals with alcohol use disorder typically have a strong craving for alcohol. They might lose control once they start drinking and not be able to stop. They will often feel irritable or anxious when they are not drinking. Those with alcohol use disorder will develop a tolerance and need more and more alcohol to get the same effect. They are also more likely to experience withdrawal if they do not get their next drink within a certain amount of time. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Those who have had alcohol dependence for some time might experience certain withdrawal symptoms if they stop or cut down on their drinking suddenly. Research supports the role of alcohol in suppressing certain neurotransmitters and the ability of these systems to adapt to the presence of alcohol over time. 

Withdrawal occurs because alcohol is a depressant that suppresses the area of the brain responsible for the “fight or flight” response. This response is a good thing if you are in an emergency, but under most daily stresses, you do not need to react in that way. Alcohol suppresses this response. 

When the brain gets used to the suppressive effect of alcohol, it begins to “need” the alcohol to stop the body from triggering the fight or flight response. A drop in alcohol levels in the bloodstream means those with AUD cannot control their fight or flight response and will be in a high state of anxiety. A connection was found that links the length of alcohol consumption and the amount consumed to increased withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of the more serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can occur. 

Hallucinations

Hallucinations can begin within one or two days after you stop drinking. The person might see, hear, or feel things that are not there, even when fully awake. These hallucinations might not be connected to any apparent physiological changes. 

Seizures

Some people will experience a generalized seizure within one or two days of abstinence. This can involve loss of consciousness and violent shaking of the arms and legs. Typically, a person experiencing alcohol withdrawal only has one seizure, but some experience a second one within six hours of the first one. Rarely does a person experiencing alcohol withdrawal experience multiple seizures. Cases of unrelenting seizures leading to death have been reported as a result of alcohol withdrawal, though. 

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Delirium tremens (DTs) can last up to three or four days after the last drink. They are characterized by disorientation, agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and a fever. Many people think that the DTs are simply a case of the “shakes,” but true DTs are much more severe. DTs are often preceded by increased sweating and tremors. It is possible to experience cardiovascular complications, metabolic complications, or trauma leading to death from DTs. 

These complications represent a medical emergency. That is why it is important to seek help before trying to abstain from alcohol if you or a loved one has become severely dependent on alcohol. Not everyone experiences symptoms this severe, but other health problems occur in people withdrawing from alcohol that still requires medical attention from a physician. These include: 

  • Gastritis
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Liver disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Folate deficiencies
  • Other serious vitamin deficiencies

These alcohol withdrawal symptoms can manifest as: 

  • Hand tremors 
  • Sweating
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headaches
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty Sleeping
  • Stomach pain 
  • Muscle cramps
  • General fatigue

If you experience any of these withdrawal symptoms, get medical attention immediately. For those who have been alcohol-dependent for a long time, it is important that you do not attempt to stop drinking without first seeking medical help. Medical facilities and rehab centers have medication and support that can help you get through this challenging time. 

CBD and Alcohol Withdrawal

It cannot be stressed enough that if you have severe alcohol dependency, you should not try to stop alcohol consumption alone. Those with a mild drinking problem might be able to manage their symptoms at home. The first 48 hours after you stop are usually the worst. Some prescription medications are available to help you manage symptoms during this time. This is where CBD comes in. 

The biggest question is what the research says about CBD and alcohol withdrawal systems. The answer to this question begins with an understanding of our endocannabinoid system(ECS) in the human body. The existence of this system was not discovered until the 1990s. It is believed that this system affects sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproductive functions. You have this system, even if you do not use cannabis. 

Your body produces certain molecules that interact with this system called anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). In addition, you have two types of endocannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. These endocannabinoids produced by your body bind to either of these systems and produce an effect in the body. 

Once the endocannabinoids have done their job, enzymes break them down. ECS is understood only on a rudimentary level, and its potential functions are unknown. This system is known to be responsible for maintaining a stable state in the body. When something, such as stress, injury, infection, fever, or external temperature, throws the system off, this system then kicks in to return everything to normal. THC and CBD interact with this system and bind to the receptors. This is another process that needs more research. 

THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in a similar way to natural endocannabinoids, but CBD does not appear to bind in this way. One theory is that it works by blocking the enzyme and preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids. Another is that it binds to another receptor that has not been discovered yet. The mechanism is not clearly understood, but some research exists that CBD can help with pain, nausea, and other milder symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. 

Claims about CBD and its ability to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms come from several studies. The first was conducted in 2005. This study suggests that the CB1 and CB3 receptors play a role in alcohol use disorder. Another study from 2007 found that alcohol affects endocannabinoid levels in the brains of rats, particularly those areas that control emotion. The most recent study also suggests that alcohol use might affect the endocannabinoid system of the brain. 

The mechanism of the interaction between CBD and alcohol withdrawal is not understood or well-documented by science, and claims of its effectiveness are only based on theory. Yet, some people claim that CBD helps to alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This is a topic that is under serious consideration by researchers, particularly as a way to develop clinically backed treatments that involve the use of CBD to treat alcohol dependence. 

A Few Cautions About Using CBD for Alcohol Withdrawal

A quick search reveals that you can find a plethora of products, from CBD gummies to other CBD-infused products that claim to help you stop drinking. You need to be aware that there is currently little research and regulation in this area. You will also see some products labeled as “hempseed oil.” This is misleading because the seed of the hemp plant contains no CBD at all. It is found in other parts of the plant. 

You need to be aware that CBD itself can cause side effects that include: 

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth

You should not take CBD if you are on blood thinners, and you should consult your physician if you are taking any other medication. 

Getting Help for Alcohol Dependency

If you or a loved one is dependent on alcohol, it is important to seek help before deciding to try to quit yourself. The good news is that contacting someone who can help is easy. Alcohol Awareness offers free help and resources for those who want to get on the path to sobriety. 

Our counselors are available 24/7 and can help you understand how to tell if you have a drinking problem. They can help you find local resources in your area and the various treatment options that are available to you. Our counselors are ready to listen and give you compassionate advice to get you started on the road to wellness. If you decide to take the first step, call us anytime at (855) 955-0771.