Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects countless individuals, families, and communities in the United States. At any given time, more than 10 million adults and teens are struggling with opioid misuse, and every day more than 130 people die from opioid overdose.
At Medicus Cannabus, osteopathic and medical cannabis specialist James O. Hill II, DO, is passionate about addiction treatment, and devoted to helping individuals recover from substance use disorder. Growing research supports the use of medical cannabis for treating opioid addiction, and we see excellent results in our practice.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OUD, here’s how medical cannabis can help with recovery.
Opioids have a powerful impact on the brain, and physiologic and psychologic dependency develops in a relatively short time. If you have opioid dependence, you have grapple with intense withdrawal symptoms, and strong urges to reuse when you attempt to stop.
Opioid withdrawal can cause severe pain, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. These symptoms make it challenging for individuals to function normally, and stay committed to recovery. Medical cannabis reduces withdrawal symptoms.
The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, helping to relieve pain, reduce nausea, and boosts relaxation. This helps patients stick with their recovery plan.
Chronic pain is a common underlying issue for many individuals who become dependent on opioids. Medical cannabis treats pain, offering a safer alternative for pain management, and reducing opioid dependence.
Compounds like THC and CBD in cannabis reduce pain and inflammation, which helps patients reduce and eliminate their opioid use.
Stabilizing mood while eliminating opioid use provides a better chance at a successful recovery. Medical cannabis is effective in supporting mental health, thanks to its mood-stabilizing properties.
Cannabinoids can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mood, offering patients a greater sense of well-being, and can treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a comprehensive review of published studies. This mental health support is essential for a successful recovery.
Few things rival the intensity of opioid cravings. The intense desire to use opioids can lead to relapse, even after a period of abstinence. Patients using medical cannabis experience a reduction in opioid cravings due to cannabinoids ability to regulate the brain's reward system. Managing cravings is absolutely crucial for recovery, as it significantly reduces the chances of relapse.
Medical cannabis can contribute to this goal by promoting better sleep, reducing chronic pain, and supporting mental health.
Medical cannabis can help you regain a sense of normalcy and stability by promoting better sleep, stabilizing mood, and reducing symptoms of chronic pain. This makes it easier to maintain employment, nurture relationships, and engage in life in a rewarding way.
Medical cannabis offers a multifaceted approach to recovery that enhances overall well-being, so that patients can build a healthier and more fulfilling life following recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, there is hope. Contact us at Medicus Cannabus today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hill in our Port St. Lucie or Lake City, Florida, office and learn more about how medical cannabis can support your journey to recovery.
