After experiencing depression in my early twenties and being put on mind-numbing drugs for a period of time, I have developed a sixth sense of awareness for when I feel myself slipping back into that unexplained ‘sadness’, that ‘scary’ place.
Six weeks ago when I realized that my anxiety and mood swings were leading me into that dangerous territory I decided to try CBD oil, fervently hoping it would relieve me of these symptoms and by doing so, stop me from picking up that first drink. I was very close to slipping and the triggers were back with a vengeance. I do believe the CBD oil has helped me tremendously to stay sober.
Whether that is psychological or physical, I do not know. I buy it commercially and prefer a low dosage of 3.00 mg. to 4.00 mg. which works well for me. Freedom from alcohol is my utopia and whatever it takes to keep it that way, is my battle cry! I am thrilled it is working.
CBD stands for cannabidiol found in cannabis and industrial hemp. Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not have any psychoactive effects on the brain. In short, no THC, no high!
CBD oil, hemp oil and other cannabidiol-based products are available in most countries around the world, even countries where both medical and recreational marijuana is illegal. As per the WHO, the use of cannabidiol is not addictive.
In 2017, the World Health Organization stated nearly 264 million people are living with anxiety worldwide. From general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, to PTSD, anxiety comes in many ‘shapes and sizes.
The first recorded use of cannabis for anxiety relief was in the year 1500, in India. since then experts and healthcare professionals have been busy studying the effects of cannabinoids as a potential treatment for a wide range of brain diseases and emotional problems like depression, post-traumatic stress, work-related stress, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, panic disorder as well as high blood pressure, glaucoma, insomnia and epilepsy. The list goes on!
Traditional methods for anxiety disorders include therapy and pharmaceutical drugs, which like any psychiatric medications, have numerous unpleasant side effects (which I can personally attest to). As a result, some healthcare professionals have turned their attention towards cannabinoids from hemp or marijuana.
By having a direct impact on CB1 receptors in the brain, CBD can affect your serotonin levels – the neurotransmitter that plays a huge role in mood disorders, thus making CBD oil a more viable option than the traditional medication prescribed by the medical community.
Overall, experts agree that using CBD oil is a perfectly safe and surprisingly effective alternative to traditional treatments (Depressionalliance.org). Though in all the articles and reviews I read they did caution to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
On a more personal note, I do believe it has helped me tremendously in the last six weeks.
Alcohol is the only drug that people question you for NOT using but you don’t HAVE to drink. Don’t stay trapped because the stigma of not drinking seems worse than the cost of drinking too much.
More From The Boozemusings Community Blog :
The Alcohol and Depression Rollercoaster
ReThink the Drink You can read more about us Here
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Beat the Binge Drinking Routine
Open a Book, open a browser, open your mind. The keys are out there.
Life is too Short to Waste it Wasted
- Boozemusings is a lifestyle blog and the BOOM Community is a peer support group. We are NOT trained addiction counselors but simply a community of people who have overcome or are overcoming alcohol issues. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does anything on this website create a physician/patient relationship. If you require medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult your physician.
