Marijuana and THC products are legal in several states, and others have decriminalized these products. As more people are gaining legal access to cannabis, more people are using it recreationally or for medical purposes.
Many people do not recognize that it is possible to become addicted to marijuana. However, some people who use it heavily or for a long time struggle to quit when they choose. Many people trying to give up cannabis experience withdrawal symptoms that make it challenging to avoid relapse.
This article will explore marijuana withdrawal.
- How to recognize cannabis use disorder
- Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
- What to expect at each stage of the marijuana withdrawal timeline
- The treatment available in a medical detox program
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs
If you or someone you love struggles with marijuana addiction, getting treatment and support can help you overcome it. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment.
Understanding Marijuana Abuse and Addiction
People may not be aware of the risk of marijuana addiction. However, people who use marijuana heavily or for a long time may develop physical and psychological symptoms of addiction. The CDC estimates that 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have a cannabis use disorder.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), signs of cannabis use disorder include:
- Tolerance to marijuana, meaning a need to use more to get the desired effects
- Experiencing cannabis withdrawal syndrome if they stop using it
- Using larger amounts of cannabis or using it more often than intended
- The inability to reduce or stop cannabis use
- Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, relationships, and more because of cannabis use
- Continuing to use cannabis despite it causing harm to a person’s health, relationships, or well-being
Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms can make it challenging for people to stop using it, even when cannabis abuse harms their well-being. People with signs of cannabis addiction must seek treatment and support during the detox process. Treatment and support can help people manage the side effects of withdrawal and stay focused on recovery.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Understanding common weed withdrawal symptoms can help you anticipate what will happen during detox. Common cannabis withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sleep issues, including insomnia
- Cravings
- Irritability, anxiety, depression, and other mood changes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Increased hostility or aggression
- Headache
- Nightmares
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Nausea
The symptoms of withdrawal can vary from person to person. Knowing what may happen can help people create a plan to manage their symptoms. Seeking support and treatment during detox can help people manage withdrawal and stay on track, even when it is challenging.
Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline
Marijuana withdrawal can be challenging, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare for each stage. Here is an overview of what you may experience throughout the cannabis withdrawal timeline.
Day one
The first 24 hours without cannabis can be challenging. Many people experience intense cravings for marijuana. Physical symptoms, including nausea, sweating, or stomach pains, are common. Your symptoms may linger or get worse over the next week.
Day seven
The first week of withdrawal can be very difficult to get through. Throughout the first week, you may experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. Cravings may be intense and frequent.
2 to 4 weeks
After about two weeks without cannabis, you may discover that your symptoms begin to improve. You may feel more comfortable as your physical and emotional symptoms fade. However, many people continue to experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, or depression.
Beyond a month
After a month, your symptoms are likely to be much less intense or completely resolved. However, some people report occasional stomach pains, depression, nightmares, and other symptoms even after a month. In most cases, symptoms will be much more manageable.
Many factors may impact your cannabis withdrawal timeline. These include:
- The amount of cannabis you used
- Your gender
- Your general health
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Your existing support systems
- Other substances you used at the same time
- Environmental factors
- Genetics
Getting support throughout detox is essential. A detox and addiction treatment program can offer evidence-based and holistic therapies to help you manage your symptoms and remain comfortable throughout detox.
What Treatment to Expect During Marijuana Detox
A marijuana detox and treatment program provides supervision, treatment, and support that can help you manage your symptoms and move forward. A detox and treatment program may include:
- Medications to increase comfort and reduce the risk of relapse
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Emotional support, including individual therapy and support groups
- Family counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Mental health treatment, including medication management, behavioral therapies, counseling, and psychoeducation
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, nutrition support, and more
- Aftercare planning and support programs
Overcoming cannabis addiction can be challenging, but getting the right treatment and support can help you stay focused on recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with cannabis abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to explore our treatment and support programs. Reach out with questions or to set up an intake appointment.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis Facts and Stats
- JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder and Reasons for Use Among Adults in a US State Where Recreational Cannabis Use Is Legal
- JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids
- Science Direct: Prolonged cannabis withdrawal in young adults with lifetime psychiatric illness