Opioids are still the go-to solution for moderate to severe pain. But with their addictive potential and tendency to induce nausea and vomiting, opioids are not an ideal remedy for chronic pain management. Even so, they’re widely accessible and commonly prescribed for the treatment of acute or prolonged pain due to their effectiveness, high availability, and low cost. Cannabis oil, on the other hand, is a safe alternative that offers a wide range of benefits without the risks of addiction or side effects associated with opioids. Read on to learn more about how cbd oil for pain could be a better alternative to opioids.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that function as painkillers. They work by altering the perception of pain by binding to receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. The receptors interact with naturally occurring chemicals in the body called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters play a major role in regulating mood, emotions, and feelings. Opioids can come in various forms, including patches, injections, tablets, and sprays. They’re generally prescribed for the treatment of acute pain, such as post-surgery pain, or the management of moderate to severe chronic pain.
How do opioids work?
The brain contains special types of receptors (called opioid receptors) that bind with opioid-related chemicals (called endorphins and enkephalins). These opioids are produced in response to pain and are responsible for reducing pain perception and inducing feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Opioid receptors in the brain are located in areas associated with emotional processing, reward, pain perception, mood, and cognitive function. When opioids bind to the receptors, they disrupt the functioning of these areas and produce certain effects, such as reduced pain perception and feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
CBD oil and chronic pain
CBD Oil is derived from hemp plants and is an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce the sensation of pain and improve mood and outlook as well as promote relaxation. When you experience chronic pain, your brain becomes hypersensitive to pain, making it difficult to sleep and relax. CBD oil helps relieve pain and induce a state of relaxation, allowing you to relax and sleep better.
Chronic pain can be caused by different factors, including a disease or an injury. Whatever the cause, chronic pain can have a serious impact on your quality of life and make it difficult to carry out daily activities without pain interfering. Chronic pain may be treated with various methods, including medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, and dietary changes, but CBD oil has proven to be an effective and safe alternative.
Why is CBD oil better than opioids for treating chronic pain?
CBD oil does not pose the same risk of addiction as opioids. While opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, CBD binds to other receptors in the body called CB receptors that do not produce the same level of addiction. This is why CBD oil is a safer alternative to opioids. The risks of addiction and overdose associated with opioids are especially high among vulnerable populations, such as older adults, those with mental illness, and children.
CBD oil, on the other hand, has no risk of overdose and may be beneficial in reducing opioid use. Research suggests that the use of CBD oil could reduce the need for opioids among individuals undergoing opioid treatment for pain management.
The downside of using CBD oil with opioids
CBD oil is an effective alternative to opioids, but not everyone may benefit from it. CBD oil may not be suitable for everyone, especially among those who are already taking opioids. There is limited research on the effects of combining CBD oil with opioids, so you should consult a doctor before starting any new treatment. A doctor may advise against the use of CBD oil with opioids if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to hemp.