Is CBD a Relapse?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Cannabis and CBD use require a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by a qualified clinician. So, always refer to a licensed mental health specialist for specialized medical advice.

Recovery is a challenging journey, but staying in recovery can be equally challenging. So, when you are in recovery - does taking cannabidiol (CBD) count as a relapse? This can be tricky. CBD is an extract from the cannabis plant, but it is not psychoactive in the same way as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is - in that it will not give you a sense of high or euphoria.

Using CBD is not the same as using THC, as it does not give you a high. While it comes from the cannabis plant. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that it does not lead to addiction or dependence.

Peer-reviewed studies published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) say that, unlike THC, CBD does not target either CB1 or CB2 receptors in the brain and other regions in the body directly. So, it does not increase dopamine and, hence, is not inherently rewarding.

While CBD does not increase dopamine, it impacts other neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin.

GABA can reduce anxiety, while serotonin regulates mood - it also impacts anxiety and depressive symptoms.

CBD is being studied for its benefits, and comparing lab studies, animal studies, and human clinical trials, experts found limited consistency between the outcomes. However, CBD appears to be safe, as even high doses used for neuropsychiatric conditions do not reach levels in the blood that lead to toxicity.

Most cannabinoid-related studies have focused on psychoactive compounds, and future studies should explore CBD derivatives that target specific conditions more precisely, such as anxiety, sleep, or blood pressure. Presently, several clinical trials are also studying CBD’s potential benefits for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

CBD may not be psychoactive in the same way as THC, but it still has mind-altering effects. Still, in abstinence-based recovery programs, any cannabis-derived product - like CBD - may be considered a relapse.

Recovery is a lifelong journey that needs to be a priority every day going forward. Cannabis use disorder is a substance use disorder (addiction), which is a chronic condition and needs to be controlled like other chronic conditions - for example, diabetes.

Some reasons why CBD counts as a relapse are:

• It can interrupt your recovery. Using CBD can be a sign that you are not ready to be sober yet.
• CBD products are not regulated uniformly, and product labeling may not always properly reflect THC content.
• CBD impacts GABA and serotonin, which impact anxiety and depressive symptoms. Using it for these reasons can open the door to misusing other substances in the future. Peer-reviewed studies also indicate that the prevalence of CBD tends to be higher among those who use marijuana.
• It can interfere with other medications for your substance use or mental health concerns. Typically, substance use tends to co-occur at a high prevalence with mental health conditions, so taking CBD without consulting your doctors or therapists can do more harm than good.

While the answer may vary from person to person - ideally, you need to stay away from CBD in recovery, even if it is not psychoactive in the same way as THC.

Substance use begins as a way to feel better or escape. Even if CBD does not necessarily offer this, it is still not healthy to give in to such intentions. It can become the opening for serious substance use in the future.

However, if you find that CBD helps you with anxiety, pain, or other stressors - it is better to refer to your doctor or therapist on how you can handle these challenges instead of using CBD.

For instance, you can try cognitive behavioral therapy or other therapeutic modalities to get to the bottom of these underlying patterns and learn healthier, productive coping skills to deal with life’s ups and downs.

If you are confused regarding using CBD in recovery - reach out to the NuView Treatment Center today. Our licensed and experienced experts are always available to answer your queries and explore personalized recovery options with you.

Please do not hesitate to connect with our experts at (323) 307-7997 now!

Is CBD psychoactive?

CBD is psychoactive in that it impacts your mind and body. However, it does not produce the same high as THC does.

Is CBD addictive?

As per the WHO, CBD is not addictive and neither does it lead to dependence.

Is it safe to use CBD in recovery?

While there is no one answer to this, CBD can become a relapse as it is psychoactive, reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms, and opens the door to other serious kinds of substance misuse.

Is using CBD to control anxiety or depressive symptoms healthy?

CBD impacts GABA and serotonin levels in the brain, which means that it can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, CBD can also lead to other kinds of substance use; therefore, it is healthier to explore therapy and counseling.

Can I use CBD responsibly in recovery?

Ideally, one must not consume CBD in recovery. However, you can refer to your doctor or therapist, who can provide more personalized options in your recovery.