The Key To Treating Alcoholism With Medical Marijuana

[Ron Strider]

Most Americans know someone who is suffering from addiction in one form or another – alcoholism is perhaps the most pervasive of these chemical afflictions. Furthermore, the use of alcohol has become an integral part of almost all ritualized social activities across Western culture. While controlled, social drinking doesn't pose any adverse physical or psychological side effects, heavy drinking certainly does. For those heavily afflicted alcoholics, medical cannabis can be beneficial as both an alcohol substitute and sedative.

Alcoholism

Drinking on a daily basis can have irreversible consequences on the body and mind. To illustrate, studies show that "[d]ecades of heavy daily heavy drinking can lead to physical dependence on alcohol and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if one stops drinking without tapering off or entering a medical detox". Moreover, one of the key elements of alcoholism is "binge-drinking," which is evidenced in an addict's inability to stop drinking once they start. These alcohol binges, or "benders," often last several days for the seasoned alcoholic and more-often-than-not do irreparable damage to one's family and professional life. Point being, for alcoholics, the only real choice in beating their affliction is to entirely quit drinking. With this notion in mind, many forward thinking recovery programs are replacing the daily use of alcohol with that of medical marijuana.

America needs different recovery programs

The conventional Western model of alcohol treatment has a statistically poor success rate, as approximately 50% "of individuals who begin an addiction treatment program relapse within six months". Even more, doctors are known to prescribe rather powerful and addictive benzodiazepines to aid in alcohol withdrawal. While it's obvious that cannabis use as an alcohol recovery tool is quite controversial in the conventional American mindset, studies show that it can be a powerful recovery tool.

Alcoholism Drinking on a daily basis can have irreversible consequences on the body and mind. To illustrate, studies show that "[d]ecades of heavy daily heavy drinking can lead to physical dependence on alcohol and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if one stops drinking without tapering off or entering a medical detox". Moreover, one of the key elements of alcoholism is "binge-drinking," which is evidenced in an addict's inability to stop drinking once they start. These alcohol binges, or "benders," often last several days for the seasoned alcoholic and more-often-than-not do irreparable damage to one's family and professional life. Point being, for alcoholics, the only real choice in beating their affliction is to entirely quit drinking. With this notion in mind, many forward thinking recovery programs are replacing the daily use of alcohol with that of medical marijuana. America Needs Different Recovery Programs The conventional Western model of alcohol treatment has a statistically poor success rate, as approximately 50% "of individuals who begin an addiction treatment program relapse within six months". Even more, doctors are known to prescribe rather powerful and addictive benzodiazepines to aid in alcohol withdrawal. While it's obvious that cannabis use as an alcohol recovery tool is quite controversial in the conventional American mindset, studies show that it can be a powerful recovery tool.

Cannabis and quitting drinking

In the nomenclature of recovery studies, cannabis aided alcoholism recovery is referred to as "Marijuana Maintenance". For starters, Marijuana Maintenance offers a relatively un-impactful solution to alcohol cravings, as addicts will smoke or ingest cannabis instead of taking a drink. Along this line of thought, the Harm Reduction Journal reports that cannabis can curb an addict's alcohol cravings and it is a viable, natural alternative to prescription medications such as benzodiazepines. Secondly, a large quantity of drinkers medicate with alcohol to relieve psychological conditions such as "depression, anxiety, stress, or PTSD". Studies show that responsible cannabis use can provide relief from these same emotional ailments, without the dangers of withdrawal and addiction as seen with alcohol or prescription medication drugs.

News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: The key to treating alcoholism with medical marijuana the key to treating alcoholism with medical marijuana - Salon.com
Author: Kent Gruetzmacher
Contact: Contact and Help - Salon.com
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[Dugan]

I'm no Doctor or scientist but I can speak from personal experience that Cannabis had definitely reduced my alcohol cravings to almost nothing. I'll still have a glass of wine once or twice a week, but that's it. I use to drink 3 or 4 glasses then hit the hard stuff. When I wake up in the morning after cannabis I feel great, not hung over.

 

[Zoidberg13]

Weed has been a tool in encouraging my laziness in the past. Now I use it in conjunction with meditation that is slowly evolving into a oneness with God.

 

[kubipan]

I think it absolutely useful!

 

[Smithal]

Marijuana Sales Outpace Alcohol in Aspen, Shows Growing Pot Popularity


Marijuana Sales Surpass Alcohol in Aspen in 2017

In what is the first time, but almost certainly not the last, marijuana sales have topped alcohol sales in Aspen, Colorado. This has huge implications for the marijuana industry, and not just in Aspen, but across the globe.
Aspen’s marijuana dispensaries (cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use in Colorado) outsold liquor stores in terms of revenue, bringing in $11.3 million in 2017 compared to $10.5 million from alcohol peddlers. (“Aspen marijuana shops sold $11.3 million in 2017, topping liquor stores for first time,” The Seattle Times, February 7, 2018.)
Overall, growth in the retail sector in Aspen showed a two percent rise compared to 2016, according to the city’s Finance Department.
So why is this such big news? Because it speaks to a growing trend in the marijuana industry, where marijuana sales are rivaling–or, in this case, surpassing–alcohol as a new vice-of-choice for consumers.
Full Article: Marijuana Sales (OTC:ACBFF), (TSE:ACB) Outpace Alcohol in Aspen, Shows Growing Pot Popularity

 

[Alexferguson]

Nice

 

[Stellamaxwell]

Nice