There is no doubt that cannabis can assist individuals who often rely on opioids, narcotics and alcohol for pain alleviation. One of the largest issues affecting Americans today is the overuse of opioids, narcotics, and alcohol. Over 930,000 people have overdosed on drugs and died since 1999, according to the CDC. More than 80% of those fatalities were brought on by opioid abuse.
Millions of people are similarly concerned about alcohol abuse. Over 140,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use each year. That is almost the same as 380 people every day. These frightening numbers only represent the very beginning. Apart from the tens of thousands of deaths caused by opioid and substance abuse, millions more people battle addiction daily.
Researchers are finally prepared to learn how useful cannabis is for drug misuse disorders now that there is a greater understanding of both the magical yet therapeutic benefits of marijuana and the addictive nature of these substances.
You might question if cannabis might help opioid, drug, and alcohol users get sober if you or a loved one struggles with addiction. In this blog post, we will proffer answers to the question Does Cannabis Offer a Second Chance for Opioid, Narcotics and Alcohol Users and also cover the benefits of medicinal marijuana for substance abuse.
Cannabis vs. Opioids, Alcohol, and Narcotics
The following substances are among the most misused and are associated with overdose deaths:
opioids and morphine derivatives such as methadone, codeine, oxycontin, and fentanyl
Benzos, barbiturates, Ambien, and Lunesta, are depressants and sleep aids.
Ritalin, Adderall, and Methylphenidate are examples of amphetamines.
These pharmaceuticals have a high potential for abuse because they are Schedule II substances. Even individuals who are not at risk for over-dependence are susceptible to addiction when using drugs.
Like opioids, numerous illegal narcotics, and traditional prescription painkillers, alcohol is a hazardous chemical with a high potential for misuse. The risks associated with alcohol, opioid, and narcotic usage are widely known. Nevertheless, these drugs are acceptable and widely available, sold in shops, eateries, pubs, and other businesses.
Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorder
Historically, substance abuse has been mislabeled as a social issue heavily impacted by crime.
Resources for both prevention and treatment were very limited and still are. The healthcare system has generally disregarded the issues faced by persons with substance abuse disorders by not providing coverage or funding for treatment until now; there is no doubt, however, to the complex linkages between mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Mental healthcare communities are changing their perceptions regarding substance abuse and implementing reforms to provide more high-quality resources and increase access to reduce health disparities, dependency, and the overall toll on society. This is because there is more evidence about the impact of prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Why Is Marijuana Used to Treat Addictions and Substance Use Disorders?
Many people are curious about how medical cannabis works and its advantages as interest in treating substance addiction problems, such as opioid, narcotic, and alcohol abuse, has increased. Let's examine cannabis in more detail before going further.
Cannabinoids and terpenes in marijuana bind to endocannabinoid system receptors. The same cannabinoids cause a range of mental and physical reactions. Medical cannabis has similar effects to the neurotransmitters and hormones your body produces, which influence inflammation, pain, and several other systemic processes.
Medical marijuana enhances appetite, refreshes memory, lifts mood, and grants sound sleep. A lot of cannabis users use marijuana to treat chronic pain, sleep problems, and mental health issues. Of course, the type of marijuana used significantly impacts these outcomes. Each person's experience is unique.
Additionally, every person reacts differently to various drugs and chemicals. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before consuming medicinal cannabis for the first time or while taking drugs from a big pharmaceutical company.
Medical cannabis can be helpful and enhance your quality of life, even if you already struggle with substance misuse and addiction difficulties, particularly those involving drugs and alcohol.
Benefits of Medicinal Cannabis
Numerous important advantages of medical cannabis have already been established, and many more are still to be found. Among the most widespread applications for medical cannabis are:
Chronic pain can be managed with medical cannabis. Traumatic events, inherited diseases, and illnesses can all lead to chronic pain.
Additionally, marijuana possesses anti-seizure qualities that are extremely helpful for those with epilepsy and other diseases that cause seizures. Cannabis is more effective than many prescription medications and opioids at reducing seizure activity. The FDA just granted patient access to epidiolex1, the only organic cannabinoid-based prescription drug, in addition to the fact that it causes fewer and less intolerable adverse effects.
Medicinal cannabis has also been advocated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Cannabis contains calming qualities that lessen tremors and stiffness in the muscles.
It may not appear that the medical issues listed above have anything to do with abusing alcohol, opioids, or narcotics, but they do. Many persons with these disorders are forced to take manufactured drugs, which are occasionally ineffective or poorly tolerated compared to what is marketed. As a result, many turn to unhealthy substances like alcohol, hard narcotics, and prescription opioids to treat their symptoms or quit taking their prescription prescriptions altogether.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Georgia
Potentially beneficial for those who struggle with substance misuse is medical cannabis. Even though this is still being actively investigated, it might be an affordable, safe option for people to work toward recovery.
Despite some delays, Georgia will soon have access to medical marijuana! To give patients the relief they deserve, we hope Georgia dispensaries should open their doors in 2023.
If you are still determining if you qualify, we can help! Just give us a call.
You can reserve an evaluation online today with one of our compassionate cannabis doctors, and we'll make an appointment as soon as possible. Feel free to ask any questions in the meantime!
You and your new doctor will discuss your conditions and whether you qualify for a Georgia Marijuana Card. And if you make your reservation online today, you'll save $25 off your evaluation!
Feel free to call us at (866) 781-5606, and we can help answer your questions about getting medical marijuana in Georgia.
It is essential to be ready to acquire safe, legal medication when the time comes, so you don't have to wait any longer for the relief you need. If you want to stay current on Georgia's medical marijuana laws, sign up for our email and read our weekly blogs.