Medical hashish could assist scale back cravings and enhance restoration outcomes

A brand new pilot examine from UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers College examined how medically supervised hashish use in a residential restoration residence could assist folks in remedy for substance use challenges. 

Contributors reported that hashish helped them handle ache, nervousness, despair and sleep issues-key signs that may complicate restoration. 

Our findings counsel medical hashish might play a significant position in lowering cravings and enhancing retention in restoration packages.

Contributors clearly indicated advantages in managing each bodily and psychological challenges throughout restoration.” 

Dr. Zach Walsh, psychology professor at UBC Okanagan and co-lead researcher

Customers additionally reported lowered cravings for opioids and different dangerous substances, improved ache administration and enhanced psychological well being and sleep high quality.

Nonetheless, stigma surrounding hashish use stays a major barrier, based on the analysis. 

Employees interviews revealed a necessity for elevated schooling and higher integration into the hashish remedy method. 

“Decreasing stigma via focused schooling for program employees is important,” says Dr. Florriann Fehr, co-lead researcher and nursing professor at Thompson Rivers College.

“Employees skepticism usually comes from misunderstandings about hashish as a official medical remedy, highlighting a transparent alternative for enchancment in restoration assist.” 

The examine, not too long ago printed within the Journal of Research on Alcohol and Medication, was carried out by researchers from UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers College.

This collaboration between establishments in Kelowna and Kamloops sought to raised perceive affected person and employees experiences with medically supervised hashish use in a supportive restoration surroundings. 

It examined affected person and employees experiences at Maverick Supportive Restoration, a residential restoration centre within the BC inside. 

Residential restoration centres present structured, live-in environments the place folks obtain remedy and assist to handle substance use issues. 

Whereas the outcomes are promising, researchers emphasize the necessity for larger-scale research to completely assess the advantages and dangers of incorporating medical hashish into substance use restoration packages. 

This examine was funded by the Inside Universities Analysis Coalition and the BC Ministry of Well being. Dr. Fehr is to current the findings to the Worldwide Council of Nurses Congress in Helsinki this June. 

TRU can also be planning the Medical Hashish and Restoration discussion board on Saturday, April 26. The discussion board is open to the general public, health-care professionals and researchers curious about hashish and restoration options.