Medical hashish might assist scale back cravings and enhance restoration outcomes

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

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

Our findings counsel medical hashish might play a significant function in decreasing cravings and bettering 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 diminished 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, in line with the analysis. 

Employees interviews revealed a necessity for elevated schooling and higher integration into the hashish therapy strategy. 

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

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

The research, just lately revealed within the Journal of Research on Alcohol and Medicine, was performed by researchers from UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers College.

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

It examined affected person and workers 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 therapy and assist to handle substance use problems. 

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

This research 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 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 desirous about hashish and restoration options.