Alcoholic beverages are a feature of many cultures around the world and have long been a standard at social events or a popular way to unwind at the end of the day. However, as we learn more about the health and psychological risks of alcohol consumption, many are looking for alternatives. While it can be difficult for people with alcohol use disorder and even those who frequently use alcohol to relax or address issues to cease using alcohol, another age-old substance may offer an alternative.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, is rapidly rising in popularity due to its sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Learn more about CBD products and how they could act as a safer alternative to alcohol in your life.
Can CBD Replace Alcohol?
Let’s get the important question out of the way: can CBD really be a substitute for alcohol?
Many have suggested that CBD could serve as a valid replacement for alcohol for people who want to unwind without getting drunk or high. When compared to alcohol, CBD provides a more even-keeled experience and is not addictive; alcohol is a nervous system depressant frequently reported to cause anger, melancholy, and anxiety when the buzz wears off, and it is an addictive substance. Those who have made the switch to cannabidiol (CBD) beverages or edibles report feeling more at ease and relaxed after consuming it, without the usual crashing that accompanies heavy alcohol use.
Unlike alcohol, which can impair both motor abilities and judgment, CBD has the opposite effect, which is one of its main advantages. CBD has been reported to result in relaxation and clarity. People who wish to relax without worrying about getting home safely or waking up mentally foggier the following day could find it a great replacement option.
Does CBD Work Like Alcohol?
On a chemical level, CBD does not work like alcohol. Anxieties, lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment, and slowed reaction times are some of the negative side effects of alcohol’s central nervous system depressant effects on the brain.
Unlike alcohol, cannabidiol (CBD) has an effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system of receptors that regulates pain, stress, emotion, and sleep. CBD helps stabilize the body without affecting cognitive function by modulating the way ECS receptors send chemical messages. This can alter the way the body and brain experience anxiety, relaxation, pain, and more, improving sleep and mood.
Overall, cannabidiol (CBD) supports balance in the body, in contrast to alcohol, which frequently causes dehydration, poor sleep, and heightened anxiety the day following intake. Users who consistently consume CBD report an array of benefits, including improved sleep quality, less anxiety, and a sense of tranquility and mental clarity.
It is important to consider that alcohol appears to increase levels of serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical) in the short term, leading to its pleasurable effects – and its addictive qualities. Unfortunately, it eventually lowers serotonin levels, which can cause mood swings and despair. By contrast, CBD can bind to and activate serotonin receptors, which may lead to a longer-lasting lift in mood.
The Long-Term Health Impacts of Alcohol vs. CBD
An important consideration while deciding between alcohol and CBD is the effect on one’s health over time. Problems with the liver, heart, and digestive system and an increased risk of cancer are just some of the many health risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially severe or chronic usage.
Worldwide, alcohol is responsible for millions of fatalities annually. Regular alcohol intake is associated with significant, long-term health hazards, as it is a major contributor to liver damage and cirrhosis.
Cannabidiol, on the other hand, may have more positive effects on health than negative ones. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CBD have only just begun to be studied, but preliminary findings indicate that this compound may help maintain healthy cardiovascular systems, brains, and overall health. Although further research is required to comprehend the effects of CBD on the body completely, it is evident that it presents significantly fewer dangers compared to alcohol.
Furthermore, mental health can be adversely affected by chronic alcohol drinking, which frequently results in heightened anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Conversely, cannabidiol (CBD) is a healthier option for mental health because it has been investigated for its ability to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Is CBD Better for Your Liver Than Alcohol?
It’s no secret that alcohol can wreak havoc on your liver. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a host of liver diseases, including fatty liver, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. But is CBD better for your liver than alcohol?
The latest research shows that CBD is good for the liver. These studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may help lower liver inflammation and oxidative stress, two problems that amp up when you drink alcohol. More studies need to be done to be sure of its long-term effects, but early results are encouraging.
Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is known to hurt the liver over time. Using CBD instead of alcohol might be a good way to improve liver health, especially for people who are more likely to get liver diseases from drinking. Plus, CBD’s ability to help people deal with stress and worry may lower the mental triggers that make them drink too much, which is another way it protects the liver.
What Is a Good Alternative to Alcohol for Relaxation?
For those looking for a relaxing alternative to alcohol, CBD is a great option. It’s available in various forms, including tinctures (orally-consumed oils and other extracts), gummies and other edibles, drinks, topicals, and even CBD flower, making it easy to incorporate into your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or manage stress in social situations, CBD can help provide a sense of calm without the side effects of alcohol.
CBD drinks, for example, are quickly becoming more popular as an alternative to alcoholic beverages. A wide variety of tastes and formulations are available for these drinks, which frequently include calming herbs like lavender or chamomile. They deliver the satisfying experience of a “drink” without the risks of alcohol.
Other alternatives to alcohol that can help you relax include herbal teas, adaptogenic drinks, meditation, and more. CBD really shines when it comes to helping the body maintain its natural equilibrium and relieving stress in both the mind and the body and incorporating CBD in any of the above alternatives can provide an extra boost of stress relief.
Sober Curiosity and the Rise of “California Sober”
The rise of the sober curious movement has encouraged people to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. Sober curiosity means getting to know what life is like without alcohol, even if you don’t think of yourself as having an alcohol use disorder. Many people have found that their mental and physical health has improved when they drink less or not at all.
A growing number of people are also living the “California Sober” lifestyle, which means they don’t drink alcohol and instead use cannabis products containing THC or CBD (or both). Some supporters say that this method gives you the best of both worlds: you can feel relaxed and happy without the health risks of drinking.
Is CBD an Alternative to Alcohol if You’re Sober Curious?
Many people consider CBD the healthier alternative to alcohol, including some of those involved with the sober curious movement. CBD is at the forefront of this trend, even among those who don’t adhere to the California Sober lifestyle because it enables people to relax and stay social with friends without getting high or becoming addicted.
Even researchers are noting the significance of CBD and the role it could play as the sober curious movement continues to spread. A study by Civic Science in 2023 found that 21% of people who took part in Dry January used cannabis products like CBD to stay sober. It’s easy to see why: CBD can induce calm, ease nervousness, and even promote feelings of well-being and pain relief without the intoxication of alcohol. CBD may also help people get along with others at social events by easing them into what was once an anxiety-inducing prospect without the mood-altering effects of booze.
The result of these benefits is clear: more and more CBD drinks and concentrates that can be mixed with drinks are being sold as alternatives to alcoholic beverages. It’s now easier than ever to enjoy a “drink” without alcohol, with brands creating everything from sparkling water infused with CBD to cocktails.
So, is CBD an alternative to alcohol? Absolutely! It offers many of the same benefits people seek from alcohol, such as relaxation and stress relief, without the risk of overconsumption, hangovers, or potential addiction.
The Social Dynamics of Replacing Alcohol With CBD
It’s important to note that for many casual alcohol drinkers, drinking is both a way to relax and a way to get along with other people. Drinks with alcohol are often a part of happy hours, dinner parties, and events, and choosing not to drink can make some people feel alone or excluded. Thus, even though the benefits are clear, the question often arises: can CBD be used instead of alcohol in social situations without making people feel weird or like they’re missing out on the fun?
As we mentioned, one of the most exciting things to happen in the world of CBD is the rise of drinks with CBD that can make you feel like you’re drinking with friends. You can now get craft “cocktails,” sparkling drinks with CBD added to them, and even energy drinks with CBD. Alternatively, you can use a CBD tincture or other liquid CBD product and mix it directly with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. You’ll still feel like you’re drinking something relaxing while you’re with friends without the need to worry about turning down drinks. CBD is a great option to replace alcohol for people who feel uncomfortable when they’re not drinking, allowing them to party without getting intoxicated.
CBD goods let you participate in social activities without getting high or risking overindulging. Additionally, because it calms the mind and body, CBD may actually help you feel more at ease in public without affecting your judgment or motor skills.
CBD and Mental Health: A Safe Way to Unwind
Another major component of replacing alcohol involves mental health. Many people drink to unwind after a long, stressful day, to escape their anxiety and sadness, or even to mask symptoms of mental health conditions. However, alcohol typically makes people feel depressed or anxious after drinking, often leaving them worse off than they were before they drank. Worse, the health conditions caused by alcohol can leave people suffering from extremely poor mental health.
As mentioned, CBD appears to help people who are anxious. This makes it a better choice for people who are dealing with stress or mental health problems. If you pick CBD over alcohol, you’re not just switching substances; you’re picking a more environmentally friendly, long-term way to deal with stress and help you relax. CBD can potentially give you some tools to deal with anxiety and stress at the source instead of just masking the effects. This can make your relationship with relaxation healthier.
Legal Considerations: Is CBD a Safer Legal Alternative?
Both alcohol and CBD are federally legal for those over a certain age determined by the states. Alcohol does come with multiple taxes and legal consequences, especially if it is misused to the point of developing alcohol use disorder (another way to say alcohol addiction). Some of the legal issues that can arise for people who misuse alcohol include drinking and driving, public intoxication, underage drinking, and many other alcohol-fueled crimes that may not have occurred without the use of alcohol.
CBD from hemp (less than 0.3% THC) is allowed in all US states and even many other countries. It is readily available in many forms, making it a safe, easy-to-find alternative.
CBD consumption is not regulated as strictly as alcohol, so people can enjoy its benefits without thinking about the legal problems that can come with drinking too much. CBD is also safer to take before activities like driving and socializing in public because it doesn’t affect your motor skills or thinking.
However, CBD laws can differ from country to country and even state to state, so it’s important to check your local rules before adding a CBD product to your routine. Even though CBD is federally legal, your state or local government may have special CBD rules you must follow during the purchase process. CBD is safe and won’t get you high, but there may be limits on its purchase.
CBD Offers a Better Way to Relax
So, can CBD replace alcohol?
While it may not be a one-for-one swap for most people, CBD offers a compelling alternative for those seeking relaxation, stress relief, and better health outcomes. It’s non-intoxicating, gentle on the liver, and promotes balance in the body, all without the negative side effects of alcohol.
For anyone interested in cutting back on alcohol or exploring a new way to unwind, CBD is definitely worth a try. It’s not only better for your health in the long term but also allows you to remain clear-headed and in control, even in social settings. Whether you’re part of the sober curious movement or just looking for a healthier lifestyle, CBD might just be the option you’ve been looking for.
Are you prepared to transition from alcohol to a healthier, more balanced option?
Discover the exceptional quality of Dank Budz’s premium CBD products, designed to help you relax, unwind, and cultivate a more mindful lifestyle free from the drawbacks of alcohol. Explore the world of CBD-infused products where you’ll find everything essential to elevate your well-being and transform your relaxation routine.
Related Reading: Can CBD Help You Quit Smoking?
Resources:
- CivicScience. (2023). Dry January interest is up this year, with 3 in 4 Gen Z adults planning to abstain. CivicScience. https://civicscience.com/dry-january-interest-is-up-this-year-with-3-in-4-gen-z-adults-planning-to-abstain/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%2021%%20of%20Dry%20January%20participants,participate%20this%20year%20(12%%20and%2024%%2C%20respectively).
- ECHO Recovery. (n.d.). The growing trend of the sober curious movement. Retrieved from https://echorecovery.org/blog/growing-trend-sober-curious/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD). National Library of Medicine, PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390812/#:~:text=Cannabidiol%20(CBD),-CBD%20is%20a&text=CBD%20is%20found%20to%20inhibit,)%20(106%2C%20107).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd#:~:text=contain%20no%20more%20than%200.3%20percent%20THC%20on%20a%20dry%20weight%20basis%20are%20no%20longer%20controlled%20substances%20under%20federal%20law.
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