How to treat opioid addiction with medical marijuana
There is a rising problem of Opioid addiction in the United States today. Some medical marijuana doctors have begun experimenting with the effects of medical marijuana on addiction, even though the FDA does not regulate medical marijuana to treat Opioid addiction.
Doctors presently use medical marijuana to treat chronic pain, reduce anxiety, and even slow down some types of cancer.
Medicinal marijuana has recently been found to be effective in treating Opioid addiction. Why? It is believed that marijuana as medicine is effective in treating Opioid addiction in one important way-by reducing the number of opioids consumed.
In this article, we will cover the dynamics of treating Opioid addiction.
About Opioid Addiction
The Opioid family of drugs, which includes narcotics, is a potent class of pain relievers. A drug that belongs in this category is both a prescription pain reliever, such as oxycodone and fentanyl, as well as an illicit drug, such as heroin.
When opioids are released into the body, they attach to Opioid receptors in the brain and alter how the brain responds to pain and pleasure. The intake of opioids can produce a rush of euphoria, relaxation, and calm in the first few minutes after taking them, as well as an immediate rush of power in the second minute.
Side Effects And Withdrawal From Opioids
There are several adverse effects associated with Opioid abuse, including pain, nausea, and vomiting. Some of these may include, but are not limited to:
- Constipation is a chronic condition
- Cravings of extreme intensity
- Feeling nauseated
- Pain sensitivity is increased
- Sweating more
- Pupils are smaller (“pinpoint”)
- A reduction in sexual drive
- Breathing too shallow
- Talking in a slur
The withdrawal symptoms of Opioid abuse can be very uncomfortable. Taking opioids for a long time can result in physical dependence, so being deprived may cause physical symptoms.
Opioid Addiction Treatment With Medical Marijuana
Is marijuana capable of treating Opioid addiction in the same way that alcohol does? Among the chemical compounds found in the drug, there are cannabinoids, which are responsible for its mind-altering effects. The most common of these is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
When abused, some cannabinoids, which have been manufactured in labs, can be dangerous or lead to serious health complications. According to the National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA), there is growing evidence that cannabinoids may play a role in treating certain conditions and illnesses, particularly cancer treatment.
Two significant cannabinoids are of interest right now: THC and CBD.
Conclusion
Knowing which treatment center is most likely to offer the treatment options that work for you is the first step toward finding treatment that works.