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Can People witMedical marijuana also has lower psychological and physical dependence risksh Alcoholic Addiction in Louisiana qualify for Medical Marijuana?

Yes.

Alcoholism is one of the conditions that are qualified in the state of Louisiana. Visit our LA page to know more. You can also start applying on this page.

Medical Marijuana and Alcoholism

Excessive drinking has claimed nearly 90,000 lives each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those who die as the result of alcohol abuse do so prematurely, on average, as reported by the USA Today.

Accidents due to alcohol addiction
Alcoholism statistics in Louisiana:

  • Adults drinking excessively: 18.8%
  • Alcohol-related driving deaths: 32.6% (22nd highest)
  • Adults in fair or poor health: 21.0% (5th highest)
  • Drunkest metro area: Houma-Thibodaux, LA

As the recent movement toward cannabis legalization in the U.S. has increased, medical cannabis has become a substitute for alcohol. A growing number of research studies suggest that medical marijuana can be an alternative therapy for alcohol. It can reduce drinking and related problems among alcohol-dependent individuals.

Medical marijuana also has lower psychological and physical dependence risks compared to alcohol. The US National Institute of Drug Abuse reported that alcohol dependence is twice as high as cannabis.

What is Alcoholism/Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction

Alcoholism is considered a progressive and chronic disease, also referred to as alcohol use disorder. Individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction crave alcohol uncontrollably even when they experience alcohol-related issues repeatedly, like drunk driving violations, relationship problems, or job loss.

  • Alcohol abuse is among the four most common causes of death in the U.S.
  • Alcoholism is involved in around 50% of U.S. traffic-related deaths.
  • One of the key elements of alcoholism is “binge-drinking”, evidence of an alcohol addict’s inability to stop drinking once they start.
  • Only about 9% of alcoholic addiction patients receive pharmacological treatment

Causes of Alcoholism/Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is believed to have a strong heritable component, with between 40-60% of the variance of the risk attributable to genetic factors. However, environmental factors also play an important role in alcoholism.

Drinking during difficult times can potentially trigger long-term alcoholism.

The most common reasons why people start drinking are to:

  • Relieve stress
  • Feel good
  • Cope with loss
  • Overcome anxiety
  • Lack of connection
  • Shame
  • Trauma

Impact on Lifestyle

Alcoholism

Drinking too much alcohol can cause serious health problems including stroke, cancer, and cirrhosis. Alcoholics are more likely to get sick and less able to fight off infections. Drinking on a daily basis can have irreversible consequences for both the body and mind.

It can also lead to many issues and impact professional goals, personal matters, and relationships.

Types of Alcoholism Treatments

Behavioral therapies and medications can help treat alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. Common pharmaceutical treatments include naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and topiramate.

The British National Group of Consultant Psychiatrists, registered as specialists in addiction, ranked medical cannabis as less harmful than alcohol in terms of physical harm, dependence, and social harm.

A 2009 study found that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary active chemical in marijuana, was effective in eliminating alcohol dependency.

Another study published in the Harm Reduction Journal found that responders successfully used cannabis to curb their alcohol cravings.

Around 40% of patients substituted their alcohol with medical marijuana for these reasons:

  • Better symptom management
  • Reduced negative side effects
  • Less potential for withdrawal symptoms with the herb

Medical marijuana can help with a variety of alcoholism symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Nausea
  • Controlling cravings for alcohol

Prevention of Alcoholism

Alcoholism can be prevented through programs at the school, family, and community level that create awareness of the dangers of alcoholism and its impact on health.

Here are recommended ways to prevent alcoholism:

  • The CDC recommends that people younger than 21 and pregnant women should not be allowed to drink.
  • Choosing to use moderation when consuming alcohol to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes.
  • The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen adults ages 18 and older for unhealthy alcohol use and provide those with unhealthy alcohol use with brief behavioral counseling interventions.
  • Evidence-based strategies:
    • Increasing alcohol excise taxes
    • Reducing alcohol-outlet density
    • Reducing the number of days and hours of alcohol sales

So far, the best way and the only real choice in beating the alcohol addiction affliction is to entirely quit drinking.

Alcoholism and Medical Marijuana

The responsible use of medical marijuana can provide relief from many alcoholic addiction symptoms without the dangers of withdrawal and addiction as seen with alcohol or prescription medication drugs.

People with alcoholism in Louisiana can use medical marijuana, provided they have a medical marijuana card.

TeleLeaf can help! Call us today to know more about the process of getting a medical marijuana card in the state.