top of page
Matthew O.

Does Cannabis Offer a Second Chance for Opioid, Narcotics and Alcohol Users?


Someone you know who is addicted to drugs might wonder if cannabis can give opioid, narcotic, and alcohol users a second chance. Learn more from this comprehensive article.


Opioids are used to manage severe and chronic pain, however, the risk of drug abuse and addiction is one of the key difficulties surrounding the use of opioids to alleviate pain. Opioids are used to treat severe and chronic pain, however, one of the major challenges in treating pain with opioids is the risk of drug abuse and addiction.


Despite negative social and physical impacts, drug cravings, and withdrawal symptoms, drug use indicates opioid addiction. Obesity, respiratory depression, constipation, and opioid use disorder are the top causes of drug-related mortality. Tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC), a psychoactive component of cannabis, has been linked to lung disease, acute pancreatitis, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.


Why Use Marijuana for Substance Abuse Disorders and Addictions?

When marijuana users cannot stop using the drug despite its negative impacts on many elements of their life, their marijuana use problem develops into an addiction. Medicinal cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant and its derivatives to treat various illnesses, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.


THC and CBD are two cannabinoids found in medical cannabis that are known to have various medicinal effects. Although cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years, it has recently come to light as a potential cure for drug addiction.


What Are the Benefits of Medical Cannabis?

There has been a long history of the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, but it has recently come to light as a potential treatment for the agony associated with chemical addiction. There are some benefits of medical cannabis.

  • Severe pain management: medical cannabis helps control pain. Opioids are extremely addictive and can have dangerous side effects for treating chronic pain. Instead of using opioids because of their addiction, medical cannabis can be a safer alternative for treating pain.

  • Reducing inflammation: CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain.

  • Lowering blood pressure: CBD reduces blood pressure. It reduced their resting blood pressure and their blood pressure after stress tests such as isometric exercises and cold pressor tests.

  • Preventing relapses in drug and alcohol addiction: CBD can help people addicted to drugs or alcohol. CBD reduces stress-induced cravings, anxiety, and lack of impulse control, frequently leading to relapse.

Cannabis vs. Opioids, Alcohol, and Narcotics

Prescription opioids are used to treat pain after surgery or injury and for medical conditions such as cancer, back pain, osteoarthritis, or coughing. Some people use opioids illegally to achieve euphoria or a "high." Opioids can lead to addiction or opioid use disorder (OUD).


Cannabis is effective in pain management, reduction of withdrawal symptoms, craving, and mood stabilization. Although opioids, alcohol, and narcotics are effective pain relievers, they are highly addictive and can have serious side effects. Narcotics can also help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but they are extremely addictive and have serious side effects.


Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Alcohol is a depressant that enters the body through the stomach and small intestines and slows the central nervous system, causing drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and impaired judgment, among other effects.


Marijuana can also be a depressant, slowing brain function and having similar effects to alcohol. However, it can also be used as a stimulant and a hallucinogen. This means that using both simultaneously can have different outcomes depending on the user.


Substance Misuse Disorder Treatment

Treatment is available for substance use disorder (SUD), an illness that affects a person's brain and behavior, causing them to be unable to control their substance use, such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Addiction is the height of SUD, with moderate to severe symptoms.


People with SUD are more likely to have other mental health disorders, and those with mental health disorders are more likely to use substances. Anxiety disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia are examples of other mental health disorders.


Cannabis vs. Opioids for Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment

The complications of opioid, narcotic, and alcohol abuse are worse than those associated with medical cannabis, so people addicted to opioids, narcotics, or alcohol need time to wean off with the help of medical cannabis. No individual has died as a result of using medical marijuana, but people frequently die as a result of opioid, narcotic, or alcohol use.


Can Cannabis Help People With Substance Abuse Issues?

Medical cannabis can potentially help people with substance abuse because it is less expensive than opioids, alcohol, and narcotics. Opioids, alcohol, and narcotics can be expensive, both in terms of the substance and medical treatment for addiction and side effects. Medical cannabis may be a less expensive option for treating pain and addiction.


Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you would qualify for your card, or even if you aren't sure, give us a call, and we can help!


You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas' medical dispensaries. Don't worry because it is now easier than ever to get your card with the Arkansas Marijuana Card!


Telemedicine makes it easy to renew your card from the comfort of your home!

Please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today.

 

Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust


Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.


Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here.

49 views1 comment

Comments

Couldn’t Load Comments
It looks like there was a technical problem. Try reconnecting or refreshing the page.
bottom of page