Studies show that about half the population of the United States experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. A significant margin of them will go on to develop PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 3.6 % of adults in America are affected by PTSD and it is very difficult for individuals to live with PTSD.
Traditionally, PTSD is treated by various forms of psychotherapy, combined with medications like SSRIs. Recent studies are suggesting that CBD might help in effectively treating PTSD and other anxiety and stress disorders.
Overview Of PTSD
Sexual assault survivors and war veterans are the most common victims of PTSD. But it can also affect anyone who faced a traumatizing event like domestic violence, vehicle accidents, natural disasters or the death of loved ones. The trauma can make the individual anxious or disoriented. People affected by PTSD can also develop stress, insomnia, depression, substance abuse and mental health problems.
Use CBD For PTSD Treatment
Recent studies are showing positive results for using CBD for the treatment of PTSD and other anxiety related disorders. When CBD enters our body it activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This interaction has a ripple effect in the central nervous system like increasing pleasure and altering the processing of memory. This helps in blocking the retrieval of the traumatic memory. As a result the body will experience a pleasure boost and the person will feel less anxiety.
Studies suggest that with regular use of CBD, a person can reduce long lasting anxiety caused by post-traumatic stress disorder. In a 2012 study conducted on rats, researchers studied the effect of CBD on predator threat stress. In the experiment the rats were exposed to a cat for one hour. After an hour, they were administered with single and repeated doses of CBD. The researchers observed that the rats who received repeated doses of CBD showed less anxiety over the next seven days of the predator exposure.
How To Use CBD for PTSD Treatment?
Research suggests that for getting an effective relief from PTSD, you need to take CBD orally, transdermally or through inhalation. CBD cans be consumed in a number of ways including:
- Food addictives
- Edible CBD products like CBD gummies and capsules
- Topical CBD products
- CBD oils
- Sublingual tinctures
It is important to note that, you should always consult a medical professional before using CBD. A doctor can help you to determine the ideal dosage and he can ensure that it won’t cause any side effects with other PTSD medications you are using.