
Around 20% of veterans who fought in the middle east are troubled by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As per VA (Veterans Association), veteran deaths by suicide was at an average of twenty per day in 2017. Veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues face difficulty in adjusting to regular life and in many cases, end up on the street, addicted to drugs, or even end up committing suicide. Studies suggest that many deaths are a result of over-prescription of opioids and other medications which are prescribed to veterans when they are injured. Most of the vets deal with combat-related chronic pain, making their life extremely difficult. Doctors tend to prescribe opioids to deal with chronic pain, which gives way to side effects like stress, anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disorders.
CBD for PTSD and Anxiety for Veterans
The VA published in 2016 that 66,000 veterans received treatment for opioid addiction. Cannabidiol (CBD) alleviates pain, diminishes inflammation, enhances mood, and is an effective remedy for a variety of other ailments, both physical and mental.
CBD can probably be an alternative for opioids for military veterans with PTSD and related depressive symptoms. CBD has already shown positive results for these symptoms.
How does CBD Work for PTSD & Anxiety?
A study in 2011 investigating the effects that CBD has on anxiety mentioned that “a single dose of 600 mg (CBD) reduced