Jeff Boogaard
U.S. Navy Veteran
Treatments of physical injuries for combat veterans sustained during their service period are varied, and advanced treatments and technologies to support an active lifestyle have become more and more available. The emotional wounds veterans sustain that are sometimes overlooked, and veterans may be unwilling to engage with healthcare providers due to embarrassment, bravado, or the unwillingness to rely on pharmaceutical medications. And combat veterans that choose the path of prescription drugs have a nearly impossible battle with addiction. Overcoming the anxiety and stress from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is real and can lead to long bouts of anguish, depression, and even suicide. With an estimated 41% of veterans in need of mental health treatment, healthcare providers should consider the benefits of CBD to combat the emotional wounds veterans experienced during their service period.
There is emerging evidence that cannabidiol, or CBD, may help reduce and manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is currently being tested as a potential treatment for a growing number of mental health conditions. Studies have shown that CBD can help control emotions like anxiety and fear, as well as lessen behaviors that indicate anxiety and fear, which can be translated to PTSD symptoms. An article in the National Library of Medicine concluded that CBD has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, immunomodulation, and anti-anxiety effects and has therapeutic potential in many diseases such as epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and schizophrenia.
CBD acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to stimulate the ECS to promote sleep quality, prevent the generation of traumatic memories, and establish physical and emotional senses of wellbeing. CBD can reduce the destructive symptoms of PTSD and alleviate the emotions of fear and depression. CBD can work faster and with fewer side effects for PTSD treatment than SSRIs(antidepressants), which begin to work after several weeks of treatment and have negative side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, and sexual dysfunction. The conclusion of this study is CBD provides a new choice for the clinical treatment of PTSD.
According to a report by the World Health Organization, CBD is generally safe and non-addictive, and has a low potential to be misused. Public support of CBD for the treatment of PTSD could make an impact in the mental health of our combat veterans, and at the very least offer a positive, safe alternative in the treatment of PTSD. If you’re currently being treated by a physician for PTSD or other health conditions, it’s very important to talk to your doctor before you try a CBD product.
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