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Can CBD Reduce Alcohol Cravings?

Alan Cruz|February 24, 2025

Early research suggests that CBD may help reduce alcohol cravings by influencing stress levels, brain function, and the body's reward system.

In this article, we’ll break down the science behind CBD’s potential effects and how it might help create a more balanced lifestyle.

Note: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Studies are still ongoing, and more research is needed to understand its full effects.

What Is CBD and How Does It Work

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in hemp plants. This well-known cannabinoid doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, is non-addictive, and is known for its potential to promote relaxation and calm.

CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and transmitter chemicals that work together to maintain homeostasis (balance) for systems involved in regulating sleep, mood, hunger, pain perception, and the immune system.

Consuming CBD interacts with these receptors, giving your body’s balance system a gentle nudge. This interaction encourages the production of compounds that help regulate key processes, promoting a sense of harmony within your body.

While CBD doesn’t directly “fix” issues, it can play a role in overall wellness and recovery, making it a potential tool for those looking to support healthy decisions and balance in their daily lives.

Is CBD Safe To Use To Reduce Alcohol Cravings?

Yes, CBD is generally safe and non-habit-forming. As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, it won't get you "high" or impair your thinking, and studies show CBD is well-tolerated and has a low risk of abuse.

Research on CBD and Alcohol Use

Stress and Cravings

Ongoing research suggests that CBD may help reduce stress levels, a key factor in alcohol cravings and relapse risk. Stress plays a significant role in alcohol use, making it harder for individuals to cut back or quit drinking.

Mood Regulation: Studies indicate that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors, which are involved in mood regulation and the body's stress response. By potentially influencing serotonin levels, CBD may help alleviate stress-related behaviors that contribute to alcohol dependence [1].
Craving Reduction: Additional research points to CBD's potential in reducing cue-induced cravings and anxiety in individuals with a history of substance use disorders. This may make CBD a valuable tool for managing alcohol cravings [2].

While more human trials are needed, these early findings suggest that CBD’s ability to influence stress and mood may offer support for those looking to reduce alcohol consumption.

Supporting Brain Health

Emerging studies indicate CBD may help counteract the brain damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Here's what the research shows:

Neuroprotection: Studies suggest that CBD may reduce alcohol-induced neurodegeneration, potentially helping to protect brain cells from damage [3].
Reduction of Oxidative Stress: CBD has been shown to act as an antioxidant, helping to lower oxidative stress in the brain, often heightened by alcohol consumption [4].
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Research highlights CBD’s potential to reduce neuroinflammation, a key factor in alcohol-related brain damage [5].

These findings point to CBD's potential to protect brain health by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration caused by alcohol consumption.

Supporting Rest and Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for regulating mood, managing stress, and making smart decisions—factors that directly impact alcohol cravings and consumption. Research suggests that CBD may help balance serotonin levels, which in turn supports better sleep and stress management [1].

Formulas containing both CBD and CBN are mainly known for sleep support. Known as the "sleepy cannabinoid," CBN works with CBD to promote relaxation, making it easier to unwind and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. A good night's sleep leads to a clearer mind, helping you manage stress and make more thoughtful, mindful decisions.

Supporting Balanced Lifestyle Choices

Many individuals use CBD as part of their wellness routine to feel more centered and in control of their habits. While it’s not an addiction treatment, incorporating CBD into a healthy lifestyle may encourage mindfulness and stress management, both of which can support reduced alcohol intake.

How to Use CBD Products for Lifestyle Balance

If you’re looking to add CBD products into your daily routine to minimize alcohol cravings, there are plenty of options available. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Tinctures or Drops: Easily added to beverages or taken sublingually for fast absorption. Try VIIA’s Daily Drops for a daytime boost of focus or Night Drops to promote rest and sleep.
CBD Gummies: A convenient, pre-measured dose perfect for on-the-go use. VIIA’s CBD Gummies Collection is a great place to start, with formulas available for different intended effects.
Topicals or Vapes: Topicals are great for targeted relief, allowing you to focus on specific areas of tension, while vapes offer a convenient, on-the-go option for quick stress relief and relaxation.

CBD products come in different strengths—some are THC-free, while others feature microdoses of THC for mild psychoactive effects that allow you to stay productive and efficient throughout your day.

For the best results, remember that consistency is key. Regular use of CBD can amplify its benefits over time, supporting a balanced lifestyle.

Things To Consider When Using CBD Products

CBD should not be viewed as a substitute for professional treatment if someone is struggling with alcohol dependence. It’s important to choose lab-tested, high-quality CBD products to ensure safety and efficacy.

CBD may help support stress management, mindfulness, and overall balance—factors that can complement efforts to reduce alcohol consumption. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your wellness routine.

Closing Thoughts

CBD shows promise in reducing alcohol cravings by addressing key factors like stress, mood, and brain health. Early research suggests that CBD can help manage stress and support brain function, making it a potentially valuable tool in building a healthier relationship with alcohol.

While more studies are needed to understand its effects fully, integrating CBD products into your wellness routine—along with healthy lifestyle choices—could support your journey toward balance and mindfulness.

References:

L. Fattore et al., "Cannabidiol in humans—the quest for therapeutic targets," Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3992908/
A. M. Gorman et al., "The role of CBD in treating alcohol use disorder and its potential therapeutic benefits," Neuropsychopharmacology, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6910215/
J. A. S. Crippa et al., "Neuroprotective properties of cannabidiol in alcohol-induced neurodegeneration," Neurotoxicity Research, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3992908/
S. Giacoppo et al., "Cannabinoids in alcohol-induced liver damage: A review," Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6910215/