REWARDS
When people hear PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, they usually think of veterans that are unable to erase a horrible experience that occurred in war.
While this is a common cause of PTSD, there are many other triggering events that could result in PTSD. Sexual assault, traumatic car accidents, or witnessing death can lead to the development of PTSD.
Previously, people have turned to antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft for help, only to find disappointing and uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, headaches, mind-numbing feelings, and trouble enjoying intimacy.
With CBD surfacing more in the medical community and beyond, people are considering the compound as a viable method for treating PTSD. In fact, a variety of doctors throughout the United States have deemed CBD a “new and improved” PTSD treatment, and are trying it out on various patients.
To understand how CBD can help those living with and suffering from PTSD, it’s important to understand the serious effects PTSD has on a person.
What is PTSD?
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, involves uncontrollable anxiety and flashbacks following a traumatic experience. According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a “mental condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.” Those suffering from PTSD experience flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event. Often times people suffering from PTSD will feel stressed or in danger when no actual threat exists.
Living with PTSD is reportedly “a living nightmare.” Common symptoms include night terrors and panic episodes. People that suffer from PTSD are in a constant state of duress.
Throughout the last decade, opiates have been recommended by doctors. These opiates, and other narcotics, act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like-effects. Unfortunately, these treatments have proven to be more dangerous than useful due to high addiction rates and unwanted side effects.
Prescription medications are notorious for sedating patients. It is common for people to get accustomed to this sedation and become addicted. CBD, however, is non-psychoactive, meaning that it will can not get any consumer “high.”
Studies have shown cannabinoids (like CBD) are effective at lessening the emotional impact of traumatic events, and can help patients reduce their anxiety and fear. In addition to this, people have reported that CBD has improved their sleep. These are all factors that benefit those suffering from PTSD.
CBD for PTSD has been labeled the “uprising cure for 2018,” due to its multifaceted approach to healing multiple systems in the body.
Evidence From PTSD Studies Involving CBD
A review from a 2015 study showed that CBD helped PTSD patients manage the condition’s three major symptoms: (1) re-experiencing the event (2) avoidance and numbing (3) hyperarousal.
CBD, after administered, was found to improve the sleep patterns and quality of sleep in those PTSD patients suffering from insomnia and nightmares.
In other studies, cannabis has been found to help PTSD patients manage their symptoms. Two cannabinoids in particular (the ones we are always talking about) are THC and CBD, which both have the ability to influence the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS plays an essential role in promoting and maintaining homeostasis within the body, involving regulating memory consolidation, retrieval and extension. Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. This activation produces a wide range of effects on the central nervous system, including an increase in pleasure and the alternation of memory processes.
The cannabinoids have shown to block the continuous retrieval of the traumatic event, therefore enhancing the extension and reducing the associated anxiety.
If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, consider treatment using CBD as a natural alternative. Scientific research and anecdotal evidence alike are abundant and clear – CBD can truly help PTSD patients live a healthier, happier life.
Takeaways
- CBD has potential to remedy the symptoms of PTSD.
- CBD could help with anxiety and panic associated with PTSD.
- CBD is non-psychoactive and will not produce the euphoria, or “high,” associated with cannabis.
- The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the use of CBD.
Daintri’s focus is on health and wellness. We curate only the best of the best CBD products to help you live your healthiest life. If there are any questions about products, manufacturing processes or extraction methods, please let us know. We are on a mission to help as many people as possible with the health ailments of CBD.