Can Cannabis Help with Alcohol Abuse?

A report reveals that 15.6% of Canadians aged 12 years or older engaged in heavy drinking in 2021. Next year, the percentage increased to 19.7%. But why do some people drink alcohol and some don’t? There are different factors influencing an individual’s choice to consume alcohol or not. Drinking alcohol is part of rituals in many cultures. In some cultures, alcohol is strictly prohibited. Many people drink or abstain from alcohol due to moral values, religious practices, or personal choices. Drinking alcohol is a coping mechanism for many individuals with stress, anxiety, or depression. People drink alcohol because it induces euphoria. Alcohol can alter emotional states.   

What is Alcohol Abuse

 

Alcohol use disorder or alcohol abuse is a medical condition in which a person is engaged in excessive alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. The person just cannot control it. The following are the risk factors of alcohol abuse:

• Binge drinking
• Heavy drinking
• Alcohol consumption at a young age 
• Social and cultural influence 
• Mental health conditions

Alcohol abuse increases the risk of heart diseases, liver diseases and certain types of cancer. Excessive drinking also causes depression, anxiety and other mental and behavioural conditions. 

Alcohol Addiction Development in the Brain

 

Alcohol blunts negative feelings and produces pleasurable feelings as it has a powerful effect on the brain. This reward motivates the individual to drink again and again, which is not good for physical and mental well-being. However, alcohol does not provide permanent or long-term relief from emotional problems. To get relief again, the person drinks more, which leads to an unhealthy cycle. This leads to changes in the brain’s structure and function. 

Alcohol Addiction Cycle

 

There are three stages of this repeating cycle. These stages involve the following three domains:

1. Incentive salience 
2. Negative emotional state 
3. Executive function   

The domains are reflected in the following key brain regions: 

1. The basal ganglia 
2. The extended amygdala
3. The prefrontal cortex 

Stages of Alcohol Addiction Cycle 

Binge/Intoxication Stage:

 

In this stage, an individual experiences euphoria, relief from anxiety and other rewarding effects. This repeatedly activates the reward system of the basal ganglia, leading to repeated consumption.     

Repeated consumption leads to changes in the basal ganglia. These changes result in habit formation and compulsive use.  

Negative Effect/Withdrawal Stage:

 

In this stage, an addict experiences physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal, including feelings of illness, pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, irritability, dysphoria and emotional pain. It is believed that alcohol withdrawal-related negative feelings come from:

• Reward deficit as the reward system is not activated 
• Stress surfeit due to increased activation of the stress system of the brain    

In this stage, the motive for alcohol consumption is not getting the pleasurable effects. The motive is to escape the “low” feelings.   

Preoccupation/Anticipation Stage:

 

In this stage, an individual abstains from alcohol for a period and then seeks alcohol again. The prefrontal cortex is compromised. This area of the brain is responsible for organizing thoughts and activities, managing time, prioritizing tasks and making decisions. 

Does Cannabis Help With Alcohol Abuse?

 

Cannabis has more than 100 active compounds. CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the 100+ compounds found in cannabis plants. 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

 

This primary psychoactive component of the plant induces feelings of euphoria, which is responsible for the marijuana high. THC affects mood, perception and coordination by binding to the cannabinoid receptors of the brain. The medical benefits of THC include managing pain, appetite loss, nausea and some other symptoms.   

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC

 

Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are cannabinoids found in cannabis. They have different chemical structures and effects. What does delta mean? In delta-8 and delta-9, the word delta refers to the position of the double bond in the compound’s chemical structure.     

What is Delta-8

 

Both delta-8 and delta-9 have a double bond in the carbon chain. The position of this double bond differentiates delta-8 from delta-9. As it is less potent, delta-8 THC produces milder psychoactive effects. The high is less anxiety-inducing and more relaxed. It helps with appetite loss, pain and nausea with fewer side effects than delta-9 THC.

What is Delta-9

 

In delta-9 THC, the double bond is on the 9th carbon of the chain carbon. This primary psychoactive component of the plant is responsible for “high” feelings. It results in euphoria, increased appetite and altered perception. 

CBD (Cannabidiol)

 

CBD does not alter the state of mind as it does not produce a “high.” It interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body. This system is responsible for the regulation of mood, sleep and pain function. CBD helps with pain, anxiety and sleep without any intoxication. This is why it is used in wellness supplements, products and some medical treatments. It is used in capsules, oils and topical products. 

Cannabis and Alcohol Use Disorder

 

The substitution therapy has specific criteria that include:

• Reduction in alcohol use and related harms 
• Harmless or at least less harmful than alcohol 
• Less risk of misuse as compared to alcohol misuse   
• Substitute for alcohol
• Harmless overdose 
• Health economic benefits

Cannabis meets at least six of them.  

Benefits of Cannabis Substitution

 

The following benefits are reported by drinkers themselves:

• Less alcohol consumption throughout the day without adverse effects
• Cutting down on other drugs with reduced alcohol consumption
• Self-management of uncontrollable symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
• Improved digestive system and increased appetite 
• Relief from anxiety, chronic pain, and sleeping issues 

What is the Scientific Evidence

 

Out of 2102 respondents to a survey, 973 (44%) of respondents reported reduced frequency of alcohol consumption over 30 days. 323 (34%) respondents reported a decreased number of standard drinks per week. 

Many studies involving animals show that CBD is effective for:

• Decreasing alcohol use
• Reducing alcohol-related cravings 
• Lowering excessive alcohol use related to liver inflammation and damages
• Protecting the brain against damage due to alcohol use 

Using Cannabis

 

Many individuals explore cannabis use as a strategy to reduce alcohol consumption. The following are the different ways to consume cannabis:

CBD Oil or Tinctures

 

Place the tincture under the tongue or add it to foods or drinks. Consuming in this form helps with anxiety and alcohol-related cravings. It does not produce a high.

Edibles

 

Cannabis can be consumed as food products infused with cannabis, such as chocolates, gummies, etc.

Strong edibles in Canada are easily available online. Edibles have long-lasting effects and help in controlling cravings throughout the day. Keep in mind that poor-quality cannabis can have side effects. To avoid THC gummies side effects, buy only third-party lab-tested edibles. 

Vaporization

 

A vaporizer is a device that heats cannabis to produce vapours to inhale. Vaporization can help in stopping smoking cigarettes. 

Pills or Capsules

 

These capsules or pills encapsulate cannabis extract, which makes it easy to incorporate precise dosing into daily routine. 

Topicals

 

Tropicals such as balms or creams are applied directly to the skin to provide localized relief. It may help with stress and other symptoms. 

Cannabis Beverages

 

Teas, sodas or other drinks infused with cannabis are an alternative to alcohol.