You may hear people joke that a test, a bad football game, or something else gave them PTSD, but the disorder is no joking matter. CBD oil for PTSD is very useful.
Unfortunately, PTSD in the US is relatively common. One in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime – and a good portion of them are veterans or active military.
People develop the disorder after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms include nightmares, night terrors, anxiety, depression, flashbacks to the events, detachment from the present moment, and jumpiness.
Other than extensive therapy, there’s not much the medical community can do for this condition if you want to stay pharmaceutical-free. Some people have had success with CBD oil for PTSD symptoms, which we’ll explore more about below.
CBD Oil for PTSD
If you’re already on medications or have any other ailments, talk to your doctor before trying CBD.
By now, you’ve heard about CBD. It’s everywhere: people are giving it to their dogs, vaping it, and even putting it in edibles.
It’s getting publicity for a good reason. The small amount of science we have behind the miracle cannabinoid is positive (though more research needs to be done).
In reference to treating PTSD, scientists believe it relieves symptoms by re-organizing or acting as a mediator to the body’s organic endocannabinoid system.
This system has many uses, one of which is memory retrieval. When outside CBD comes in contact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, scientists think it can stop or at least reduce trauma flashbacks. Again, more research is needed to be sure.
Why is CBD Oil Worth Trying?
As far as we know, ingesting CBD oil doesn’t have many side effects, as long as you ingest it in a form that doesn’t otherwise damage the body (i.e., smoking).
Pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat PTSD symptoms have a much longer list of side effects and in some cases, are more expensive, so as long as your doctor is ok with it, you have nothing to lose.
Adjusting dosage is easier with CBD as well. While you’d have to go back and forth to a physician if you believed you needed more or fewer milligrams of your prescribed medications, you can experiment with (safe) doses at home. Some people need less CBD oil to feel an effect than others – just like any other substance.
Finally, CBD affects the ability to function, as its famous cousin THC does. It’s a non-psychoactive substance that can make working and daily functioning easier than other treatment methods, like anti-anxieties or other medication prescribed to those with PTSD.
Should You Try It? Yes, With Supervision
CBD isn’t a dangerous substance as far as we know. However, you should talk to your doctor about it to be safe, in case it interacts with a medication you are already taking.Β
While they can’t prescribe it to you, let your physician know you’re thinking about CBD oil for PTSD, and they’ll have suggestions on how to proceed.
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