Are CBD Products Okay to Use If You’re Sober

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular complementary wellness product, particularly for people seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals for managing chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions. If you’re in recovery and managing substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), the idea of incorporating CBD into your treatment plan may seem appealing. However, as with any supplement, there are both potential benefits and risks associated with using CBD products if you’re sober. 

Facts About CBD

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound: it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana, which contains the mind-altering delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). According to WebMD, “CBD and THC both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa. But there are major differences between the two. CBD usually comes from the hemp plant, which is also a type of cannabis plant. Hemp contains very little THC, usually less than 0.3%. Cannabis plants with THC concentrations greater than 0.3% are considered marijuana.”

Harvard Health notes that “while CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it’s derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory.” CBD is added to numerous products including beverages, capsules, edibles, lotions, oils, and sprays. 

Some studies suggest that CBD has possible therapeutic benefits, such as: 

• Alleviation of chronic pain. “Increasingly, human studies are substantiating the claims that CBD helps control pain,” Harvard reports. “One animal study from the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to skin. Other research identifies how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult to treat.”
• Anxiety and stress management. Preliminary research suggests that CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, which could help people in recovery manage related triggers more effectively.
• Reduction in cravings. CBD may help individuals manage cravings, particularly if they’re in recovery from opioids and stimulants, which could potentially support long-term recovery efforts.
• Support for sleep disorders. Insomnia and other sleep issues persist in recovery. As with anxiety symptom management, CBD has been shown to help people improve their sleep hygiene, which could enhance overall well-being and resilience.
• Neuroprotective properties. CBD has been studied in traumatic brain injury cases for its ability to modulate the brain’s reward system and protect against neurotoxicity caused by substance abuse, which might aid in recovery.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), in 2022, “64% of U.S. adults reported trying a CBD product—and nearly half of those did so at a doctor’s suggestion, according to a Forbes Health survey.” 

Potential Risks of Using CBD Products When You’re Sober

Although CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive, the medical community continues to closely monitor it. Depending on your treatment plan, there are some reasons why it might not be a good idea to use it.

A Lack of Regulation and Quality Control 

For individuals in recovery, using a CBD product that contains trace amounts of THC could trigger a relapse or create unwanted psychoactive effects. It’s essential to choose products that have been independently tested by third-party laboratories to ensure their quality and THC content. But these requirements vary by state. 

For example, recreational cannabis use is legal in New Jersey, and it’s highly regulated. But state guidelines regarding CBD aren’t as concrete, and to date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD product—a prescription seizure control medication. Otherwise, the CBD industry overall isn’t uniformly regulated, leading to a lot of variability in product quality. Some products may contain THC or other compounds that could compromise recovery efforts, especially if your SUD management necessitates avoiding mind-altering substances. It’s also important to confirm that products have a certificate of analysis that confirms the nature of the ingredients. 

Potential for Drug Interactions and Long-Term Side Effects

CBD has been shown to interact with liver enzymes that metabolize a wide range of medications. For individuals in recovery who are also prescribed medications to manage their mental health conditions or other issues, these interactions could complicate treatment and recovery. If you’re considering using it, consult a healthcare provider or your addiction continuing care counselor to assess possible interactions.

The AAMC also indicates that high doses of the compound “were associated with signs of liver damage in a small number of study participants.” Other side effects may include changes in appetite, drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues, and mood changes. 

Plan for Successful Recovery With Seabrook

Our four award-winning treatment centers in New Jersey are CARF-accredited facilities—a designation that ensures best practices in evidence-based addiction recovery and behavioral health. Our board-certified medical professionals frequently recommend various holistic therapies to help you create the best wellness habits to enhance your sobriety success. If this is the type of quality attention you’ve been looking for, call our admissions team today.