The effects of cbd can prove to be a huge tool in fighting our country’s opiate epidemic in more ways than one. The properties of cbd have the potential to not only treat the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, but also to prevent the initial onset of addiction. Preventing the ugly “disease” of Addiction from manifestation should be the first priority. Which is why chronic pain patients should be treated with CBD prior to being prescribed opiates on a regular basis.
CBD as an Alternative to Opiates
Many opiate addicts can trace the onset of their addiction to the moment they first sought out relief for their chronic pain condition. An estimated 15-20% of opiate addicts first began using opiates legally to treat a legitimate pain condition. Sadly, more often than not, doctors have turned directly to prescription opiates as the solution in these instances. Or many times they prescribe NSAIDs or Corticosteroids as a first line of treatment, which usually prove to be ineffective, so then they turn to opiates to control the patient’s pain. The prescribed opiate works like magic (initially), the patient’s pain is controlled, and they are happy. We all know the road this eventually leads down, without need for further narrative.
What if those doctors would instead attempt to treat their patients’ pain condition with an alternative to opiates that has displayed high efficacy at alleviating pain long term with little to no side effects? This of course would be CBD. The good news is that more and more pain specialists are doing so, and the results are highly encouraging.
Its no secret that CBD can be extremely effective at relieving chronic pain for many people. This is especially true for those who suffer chronic pain as a result of disease or biological conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s Disease. Even though CBD has no effect on the human endorphin system or opiate receptors, it alleviates pain via its effects on the endocannabinoid system and its activation of the TRPV-1 receptor and the 5-HTIA serotonin receptors.