Benefits of Incorporating CBD into the VA

As a society, we owe a great debt to our veterans. The men and women who have served our country have sacrificed so much, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the care and support they need when they return home. Unfortunately, many veterans suffer from physical and mental health issues that can be difficult to treat with traditional medical methods. This is where CBD comes in. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant that has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits. In this post, we will explore the need and benefits of incorporating CBD into the veterans affairs.

The Need for CBD in Veterans Affairs 

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an average of 17 veterans commit suicide every day. This staggering statistic is proof that traditional medical methods are not doing enough to address the mental health issues that many veterans face. PTSD, depression, and anxiety are just a few of the mental health conditions that veterans may experience after serving in combat. In addition to mental health issues, veterans also often suffer from physical injuries, chronic pain, and other conditions that can be difficult to treat with traditional medications.

CBD has been shown to have a positive impact on many of these conditions. For example, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD may be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD can reduce chronic pain and inflammation.

Despite the promising research, CBD is not currently a part of the standard treatment options offered by the VA. This means that many veterans are missing out on the potential benefits of this natural compound.

Benefits of Incorporating CBD into Veterans Affairs

PTSD Treatment

As mentioned earlier, CBD has been shown to have a positive impact on PTSD symptoms. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as military combat. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.

Research has shown that CBD may be able to help reduce symptoms of PTSD. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in a group of 11 adults. In addition, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD may help to reduce anxiety and fear in people with PTSD.

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is a common issue for veterans, especially those who have been injured in combat. Traditional pain medications can be addictive and may have negative side effects. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain without the risk of addiction or other negative side effects.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Pain found that CBD can reduce chronic pain and improve sleep in people with chronic pain conditions. Another study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD can help to reduce pain and improve the quality of life in people with chronic pain.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that can be difficult to treat with traditional medications. CBD has been shown to have a positive impact on both anxiety and depression.

A 2019 study published in the Permanente Journal found that CBD can reduce anxiety in people with anxiety disorders. In addition, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that CBD can have antidepressant effects in animal models.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a common issue among veterans, especially those who have experienced trauma. CBD may be able to help reduce the risk of substance abuse and addiction.

A 2015 study published in Substance Abuse found that CBD can help to reduce drug-seeking behavior in people with substance abuse disorders. Another study published in theJournal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD may be effective in reducing symptoms of drug addiction and withdrawal.

Incorporating CBD into the treatment options offered by the VA could help to reduce the risk of substance abuse among veterans, as well as provide an alternative to traditional medications that may have negative side effects.

Neuroprotective Properties

CBD has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which means it may be able to help protect the brain from damage caused by trauma or injury. This is particularly important for veterans who may have experienced head injuries or other types of trauma during their service.

A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD has the potential to protect the brain from damage caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD can protect the brain from damage caused by stroke. 

Incorporating CBD into the treatment options offered by the VA could help to reduce the risk of long-term damage to the brain in veterans who have experienced trauma or injury.

Non-Addictive Treatment Option

One of the biggest benefits of CBD is that it is non-addictive. Traditional medications used to treat conditions like chronic pain and anxiety can be addictive and may have negative side effects. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to be safe and non-addictive.

Incorporating CBD into the treatment options offered by the VA could help to reduce the risk of addiction among veterans, as well as provide an alternative to traditional medications that may have negative side effects.

Cost-Effective

CBD is a cost-effective treatment option compared to traditional medications. Traditional medications can be expensive, especially if they need to be taken over a long period of time. CBD, on the other hand, is a natural compound that can be grown and produced relatively inexpensively.

Incorporating CBD into the treatment options offered by the VA could help to reduce healthcare costs for the VA, as well as provide a cost-effective treatment option for veterans.

The Bottom Line

Incorporating CBD into the treatment options offered by the VA has the potential to provide a wide range of benefits for veterans. CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. It may also help to reduce the risk of substance abuse and addiction, protect the brain from damage caused by trauma or injury, and provide a cost-effective treatment option.

Despite the promising research, CBD is not currently a part of the standard treatment options offered by the VA. It is important for the VA to consider incorporating CBD into their treatment options in order to provide veterans with the care and support they need.

As a society, we owe a great debt to our veterans. Incorporating CBD into the treatment options offered by the VA is one small way we can repay them for their service and sacrifice. It is our responsibility to ensure that veterans have access to the best possible care and treatment options, and CBD has the potential to provide a wide range of benefits for those who have served our country.

References

Black, N., Stockings, E., Campbell, G., Tran, L. T., Zagic, D., Hall, W. D., Farrell, M., & Degenhardt, L. (2019). Cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders and symptoms of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Psychiatry, 6(12), 995-1010.

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. 

Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936-948.

Shannon, S., Opila-Lehman, J. (2016). Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal, 20(4), 108-111.

Hurd, Y. L., Yoon, M., Manini, A. F., Hernandez, S., Olmedo, R., Ostman, M., & Jutras-Aswad, D. (2015). Early Phase in the Development of Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Addiction: Opioid Relapse Takes Initial Center Stage. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 807-815. 

López-Aguado, L., Moreno-Sanz, G. (2018). Cannabinoids and neuroprotection in motor-related disorders. Neural Regeneration Research, 13(5), 807-811. 

England, T. J., Hind, W. H., Rasid, N. A., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2015). Cannabinoids in experimental stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 35(3), 348-358.