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Benefits of Medical Marijuana

How CBD Use Help Battle Substance Addiction

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CBD for Addiction

Substance addiction is one of the significant health problems in the U.S. Having this disorder leads to a wide array of medical issues ranging from mental, emotional, to social. If not addressed promptly through therapy and medication, patients with this issue would see themselves suffering from a damaged brain structure that would impact them for the rest of their lives.

Fortunately, science has discovered various treatments for addiction. One of the most promising is cannabidiol. Also known as CBD, researchers have gathered much evidence indicating the efficacy of this cannabinoid in many health issues, including substance abuse and addiction. This article will shed light on substance use disorder, one of America’s growing medical problems and how CBD products can help in the country’s fight against this damaging condition that has wasted millions of American lives.

What Is Substance Addiction?

Those who are battling addiction know how severe their condition is. Experts describe it as a brain disease that is characterized by compulsive use of certain substances despite being aware of devastating consequences. People suffering from addiction (technically known as severe substance use disorder) have a keen focus on using a particular substance, like alcohol or drugs, to the level that the action takes over their life. They have developed an obsession to keep using the substance even when they no longer need them, or they know it will lead to problems.

People suffering from a substance use disorder often develop twisted thinking, behavior, and body functions. Their intense craving for a particular drug comes from the changes in their brain’s wiring. The rewiring takes place in the decision-making, judgment, learning, and memory areas of the brain, makes it hard for them to stop their constant use of the substances where they are addicted.

Genetics play a substantial role (between 40% to 60%) of a person’s risk to addiction. Events taking place in the environment such as chaotic home environment and abuse, parents’ drug use and perspective about drugs, how the community views drugs, and poor academic achievement also causes addiction. Teenagers are also prone to drug abuse and addition as well as people with mental health issues.

Prevalence of Substance Addiction

The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that, around 19.7 million Americans aged 12 and over have fought against a certain type of substance use disorder, slightly lower than the 20.1 million individuals recorded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2016. Of this figure, around 74% of them struggled with an alcohol use disorder, while approximately 38% of them fought an illegal drug use disorder.

Also, in 2017, 1 out of 8 American adults struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders at the same time while 8.5 million adults experienced both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously.

Drug abuse and addiction also cost Americans more than $740 billion every year in lost workplace productivity as well as healthcare and crime-related expenses.

Most Abused Substances in the U.S.

  • Nicotine

Americans are addicted to tobacco more than any other substances. Approximately 14% of all American adults aged 18 and above are cigarette smokers. Use of this substance cost the U.S. more than $300 billion per year, including almost $170 billion in medical care for the demographic and more than $156 billion in lost productivity because of premature death from direct smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Smoking leads to lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It also causes heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Tobacco smoking increases a person’s tendency to acquire tuberculosis, some eye diseases, and issues in the immune system, which include rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Alcohol

Roughly around 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and older fought an alcohol use disorder in 2017, equivalent to the 5.3% of this demographic. Addiction to this substance is also prevalent in U.S. households as more than half of all American adults belong to a family with a history of alcohol drinking problem and addiction.

Drinking alcohol can cause severe harm to the brain and most body organs. Habitual consumption of this substance can result in severe damage in the brain, particularly the cerebral cortex (mainly responsible for problem-solving and decision making), the hippocampus (memory and learning), and the cerebellum (movement and body coordination). Apart from the brain, the liver is the organ most affected by this substance. In 2015, around 47% of the 78,529 liver diseases among Americans aged 12 and older were alcohol-related.

Alcohol addiction is extremely lethal. This substance is the third-leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. with an estimated 88,000 deaths every year. Nearly half (40%) of all hospital beds in the U.S. are used to treat alcohol-related conditions.

  • Marijuana

Medicine’s miracle plant is also one of the most addictive substances in the U.S. and around the world. In 2017, around 4.1 million American aged 12 and over had a marijuana addiction. This substance is popular among teens and college students typically aged 12 to 25. In 2014, nearly 6% of U.S. college students were daily marijuana smokers, more than thrice the number of daily smokers in this demographic 20 years ago.

The intoxicating effect of cannabis comes from the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound extracted from the drug. Addiction to this substance can lead to respiratory problems like tobacco smoke as well as heart and cardiovascular disease. Abuse of cannabis use can also result in mental health issues such as impaired memory, anxiety, and depression as well as enhancing the risk of getting hallucinations, schizophrenia, and other forms of psychosis. The use of marijuana during pregnancy can also affect the development of the brain of the fetus.

  • Opioids or prescription drugs

Currently, drug overdose is a severe problem in the U.S. Among the most abused drugs are opioids. Nearly two-thirds (68%) of the more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved this drug type.

Opioids are a type of drugs commonly used to provide pain relief or numbness to pain. These substances include prescription medications like fentanyl, codeine, morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin), and hydrocodone (Vicodin). Heroin, an illicit drug, is also included in this drug type.

Many patients become addicted to opioids because of their capacity for boosting a person’s mood. These substances are instrumental for releasing endorphins, a neurotransmitter that evokes positive feelings while regulating reducing the body’s sensitivity to pain. A person using these drugs can generate a temporary but powerful sense of well-being. Because of this feel-good sensation, patients find themselves desiring for another dose when the effects of an opioid dosage wear off. This constant desire to achieve good feelings to return as soon as possible often leads to addiction, technically called opioid use disorder.

  • Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can elevate a person’s mood, boost feelings of well-being, and heighten energy and alertness. Because of its addictive property, similar to opioids, it can lead to changes in the brain that leads to restlessness, paranoia, irritability, panic attacks, and even a full-blown psychosis.

In 2017, Around 966,000 American over age 12 struggled with a cocaine use disorder. During the same year, 637,000 people in the same demographic received treatment for a cocaine use disorder either in their last or current stay in rehabilitation.

Aside from these substances, many Americans are also dependent on depressants, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants.

CBD For Addiction : How It Can Help

Although marijuana is one of the addictive substances as mentioned above, it is a source of CBD, a safe and useful compound currently used in treating a wide range of diseases, including addiction to various substances. Currently available in many forms, CBD has the following properties that make it extremely powerful in treating substance use disorders.

The main power of CBD lies in its capacity to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is mainly responsible for regulating the functions of the organs in the body. CBD and THC (the cannabis compound mentioned earlier) both influence the body’s internal balance or homeostasis. While THC can lead to intoxication (that can lead to addiction), CBD doesn’t have that property, making it safe to use even in high doses.

With cannabidiol’s power to interact with the ECS, it can regulate the release of endorphins (which opioid and cocaine addicts crave) and other chemicals produced by the body. CBD also can enhance serotonin signaling in the brain. As a mood-regulating brain chemical, serotonin relieves anxiety, which is a common symptom when a patient stops using the substance it is addicted to. Moreover, cannabidiol can also help avoid drug use relapse after some time of abstinence. Because of CBD’s amazing brain-regulating properties, some studies even found its power in helping treat marijuana addicts.

While there is no adequate treatment for damage to the brain caused by addiction, patients with substance use disorders can experience CBD’s potency in curbing addiction by helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and reducing the tendency to relapse. Even though most of the studies are only in the preliminary and experimental phase, scientists are positive that CBD will become a full-fledged aid for treating substance soon.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Can CBD Help with Tinnitus?

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High-pitched tones and ringing in your ears might already be a normal phenomenon to you, but this condition called tinnitus is actually a type of condition that many other people deal with, especially as they grow older over time.

People have heard that cannabidiol has been great for people dealing with different types of health conditions, from chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia and many others. With its prominence in the field, it comes as no surprise that there are many people who believe that this can help deal with tinnitus as well.

This article will let you in on what CBD products can do to help with tinnitus or if it can even help at all. Read on to find out.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as a term when you hear ringing in your ears. Apart from ringing, you can also encounter high-pitched sounds, a buzzing or hissing sound, whistling, and other similar sounds. This particular condition can actually disrupt or interfere with how you normally hear or perceive sounds.

Tinnitus is often referred to as a symptom primarily because it points to other underlying conditions. For example, this can be caused by an ear injury, hearing loss due to age, high or low blood pressure, wax buildup in the ear canal, and problems relating to the neck, jaw, or teeth, to name a few.

Those who suffer from this condition for prolonged periods of time tend to develop stress, anxiety, and even depression.

This condition is treated and managed with the help of hearing aids, sound generators, environmental enrichment devices such as CD and mp3 recordings, and relaxation techniques.

How CBD Can Ease This Condition

Individuals have their own endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is comprised of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the body, enzymes, as well as cannabinoid receptors. The main goal of the ECS is to provide balance and regulation to our different bodily functions.

The cannabinoid receptors in our body, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors respond to cannabinoids we take, such as that of CBD.

Help Calm Nerves

CBD oil and other cannabidiol products have the capacity to help calm the nerves and the body. With cannabinoids being found to be of great help in neural processing within the auditory system, using CBD products can slow down these neural impulses. In turn, tinnitus, and the ringing it brings in your ears, can be toned down.

Potential to Reduce Hearing Loss

A study conducted in 2020 shows a positive disposition towards the use of cannabidiol and treating hearing conditions such as tinnitus. Since CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, this can reportedly aid with the condition and reduce the chances of hearing loss.

Address Side Effects That Come with Tinnitus

As mentioned, people dealing with tinnitus, especially those who have dealt with this condition for a long time now, tend to develop stress, depression, and anxiety. CBD products are effective in reducing these feelings by interacting with the serotonin receptors in the brain.

The Bottom Line

There is still quite a way to go in studying the effects of CBD on tinnitus. However, with the preliminary studies conducted, it shows that cannabidiol is promising with its ability to manage symptoms of this condition.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.

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Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Best CBD for Sleep [VIDEO]

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CBD for Sleep

In recent years, CBD has become a buzzwordd for its ability to reduce anxiety and treat poor slumber. However, when it comes to addressing sleep problems, not all CBD is created equal. If you’re dealing with insomnia or any kind of bedtime issues, then find out which type of CBD should you use.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.

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Benefits of Medical Marijuana

How to Take Epidiolex and What Are Its Side Effects

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Epidiolex
Epilepsy sufferers with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome can now use Epidiolex oral solution, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on June 25, 2018. To our knowledge, this is the first marijuana-derived medication to be authorized by the FDA. For the first time, an FDA-approved medicine has been approved for the treatment of Dravet syndrome patients. But aside from being the first-ever accepted CBD drug, do we really know what Epidiolex is? In this article, we will give you more information about this drug, the benefits, and side effects. Read on for more details.

Epidiolex and Its Effectiveness

Epidiolex
© CNNWire
To treat seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet, or Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) in persons 1 year of age and older, Epidiolex is prescribed. For those using the medicine, Epidiolex was found to reduce the number of seizures they had during clinical trials. Cannabidiol is the active component in this medication. It’s only available under the brand name. Isn’t presently accessible as a generic medication.

How to Use Epidiolex

As instructed by your doctor, take Epidiolex medicine twice a day by mouth. With or without meals, this drug should be taken in the same manner for each and every dose. Choosing one method and sticking to it is essential. How much medicine you take is determined by your health status and any other drugs you may be taking. If you’re taking any kind of medication, whether prescription or non-prescription, inform your doctor and pharmacist about it. Your doctor may instruct you to begin taking this medicine at a lower dosage and gradually raise your dosage in order to minimize the chance of adverse effects. Your doctor may also gradually lower your dosage if you are told to stop using this medicine. Observe your doctor’s advice to the letter. Using a specific spoon or measuring equipment, carefully measure the dosage. Avoid using a household spoon since you may not receive the right dosage.

Side Effects

Sleepiness, exhaustion, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a lack of energy and a decrease in appetite, weight loss, or diarrhea are all possibilities. It’s important to notify your doctor or pharmacist if any of these side effects continue or worsen. Remember that your doctor ordered this medicine because he or she believes that the benefits outweigh the risks. The majority of people who use this medicine do not have any substantial adverse effects. Signs of liver damage should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Anti-seizure medicines may cause depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood issues in a tiny percentage of people. The risk of a severe allergic response to this medication is quite low. However, if you detect any signs of a severe allergic response, such as a rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention.

How Much Is Epidiolex?

The price of Epidiolex might vary, just like the price of any other drug. Epidiolex may only be available at a specialized pharmacy. Specialty drugs are permitted to be sold at this pharmacy. Patients may need assistance from a healthcare professional in order to properly and efficiently utilize these medications. Your insurance provider may demand that you obtain prior authorization before covering Epidiolex. As a result, before your insurance company will pay a prescription medication, your doctor and insurance company must talk about it. Whether or not a medicine is covered by insurance depends on the outcome of the prior authorization request. Your insurance provider can help you determine whether or not you need prior permission for Epidiolex.

Conclusion

Though Epidiolex is an FDA-approved drug, there are no guaranteed similar good effects on every person. So if you ever encountered side effects that are listed above or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable after taking Epidiolex, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in these blog posts is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The use of any information provided in these blog posts is solely at your own risk. The authors and the website do not recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information in these blog posts is solely at your own discretion.

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