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Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms occur in individuals who have regularly used Marijuana and then suddenly stopped. Symptoms typically appear within a week of stopping use and can include physical symptoms such as abdominal pain, shakiness/tremors, sweating, fever, chills, or headache. People who smoke cannabis can become addicted, and when they quit, they may experience symptoms such as trouble sleeping, mood swings, and irritability. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can be more severe in adults who use Marijuana frequently and heavily. Additionally, those with mental health disorders or who use multiple substances may be more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help individuals successfully stop marijuana use.

 

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Is Marijuana Withdrawal Real?

As with any medication taken for an extended period, there is a chance of withdrawal. Marijuana is no different; withdrawal can greatly impact a person’s life. The severity of the symptoms changes with each person but ranges from slight irritability and trouble falling asleep to considerable agitation and restlessness. A lack of appetite, changes in mood, lethargy, headaches, and perspiration are possible additional symptoms. Focusing and concentrating on daily chores might be challenging due to these symptoms, which can result in missed work or school days and decreased productivity.

Physical Effects

Headaches, sweating, insomnia, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and tremors are a few physical signs of marijuana withdrawal. Dizziness, weariness, and light sensitivity may accompany headaches, which can range in intensity from mild to severe. Both daytime and nighttime sweating and chills are possible symptoms. Common symptoms of insomnia include restlessness, trouble falling asleep, and frequent nighttime awakenings. Losing one’s appetite frequently causes nutritional deficits and weight loss. It is possible to develop minor to severe stomach pain.

Psychological Effects

Marijuana withdrawal can cause psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, rage, restlessness, and cravings. It’s possible for sensations of fear or panic to follow mild to severe anxiety. Depression may be accompanied by depressing and dismal emotions. Anger and frustration can precede irritability, which can range in intensity from mild to severe. Emotional apprehension and restlessness are both types of restlessness.

Withdrawal Timeline

Everybody experiences marijuana withdrawal for a different amount of time. Withdrawal symptoms usually start on the first day without the substance for heavy marijuana users and peak within the first 3–4 days. After that, symptoms will gradually resolve over a few weeks; however, some people may experience symptoms for longer. The unpleasantness of withdrawal symptoms, which are usually time-limited as long as someone refrains from using Marijuana, can be overcome for many people by being prepared for them.

  • 1-2 Days: Onset of Symptoms Start
  • 2-6 Days: Symptoms Start To Become Most Severe
  • 3-6 Weeks: Most Acute Symptoms Start To Subside
  • 6-12 Weeks: Post Acute Withdrawal Is not extremely common with Marijuana
  • 12 + Weeks: Marijuana has completely left the system. Any recurring psychological issues may be dealt with

Marijuana Withdrawal

How to Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

There are many ways to manage Marijuana withdrawal symptoms, including staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet, exercising and physical activity, using natural remedies like herbal teas and supplements, and seeking support from friends, family, or a professional detox program. Additionally, prescription medications may help relieve specific withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep aids for insomnia. Developing a treatment plan to manage withdrawal symptoms can help make the withdrawal process more accessible and manageable. Additionally, it is essential to remember that withdrawal symptoms will subside over time and that abstinence from Marijuana is the only way to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.

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The Severity Of Withdrawal

The causes of marijuana withdrawal can vary from person to person and can be more severe for individuals who use more potent Marijuana. Additionally, individuals with mood, anxiety, personality, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more susceptible than those without these mental health issues to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms.

What Causes Marijuana Withdrawal?

The causes of marijuana withdrawal can vary from person to person and can be more severe for individuals who use more potent Marijuana. Additionally, individuals with mood, anxiety, personality, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more susceptible than those without these mental health issues to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms. Quitting Marijuana can be difficult, but it is possible with the proper support. Individuals with co-occurring marijuana use and mental health illnesses, those with other physical health issues, those with a severe cannabis use disorder, and those who abuse numerous substances may benefit from inpatient detoxification. Individuals may benefit from a comprehensive treatment approach, which may include enrolling in an intensive outpatient program or staying in a residential inpatient program in addition to medically supervised detox. Sessions of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET), are conducted with individuals in either environment. These therapies can help individuals become aware of and facilitate distressing behaviors to increase self-control, stop substance use or misuse, and work to heal the many associated challenges.

How To Quit Cannabis And Prevent Withdrawal Symptoms

Professional Addiction Treatment

Quitting Marijuana can be difficult, but it is possible with the proper support. Individuals with co-occurring cannabis use and mental health illnesses, those with other physical health issues, those with a severe cannabis use disorder, and those who abuse numerous substances may benefit from inpatient detoxification based on how long it takes for marijuana to leave your sytsem. Individuals may benefit from a comprehensive treatment approach, which may include enrolling in an intensive outpatient program or staying in a residential inpatient program in addition to medically supervised detox.

Sessions of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET), are conducted with individuals in either environment. These therapies can help individuals become aware of and facilitate distressing behaviors to increase self-control, stop substance use or misuse, and work to heal the many associated challenges.

Medications

For regular users, gradually reducing cannabis use could help transition into a cannabis-free life, while those who use it occasionally may be able to stop immediately.

There are some medications, such as Dronabinol and certain anxiety or sleep medications, that may help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but none of them are currently FDA-approved for treating cannabis withdrawal.

Self Help Tips

To make the initial withdrawal period (24 to 72 hours) more manageable, some self-help strategies include staying hydrated by drinking water and avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks, consuming healthy food options, exercising daily for at least 30 minutes to boost mood and remove toxins, and finding support from friends, family, or other resources.

Get Help For Cannabis Detox Today!

Managing marijuana withdrawal symptoms might be difficult, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that they only last a short while, roughly three to four weeks.  To aid you through the process, it is necessary to seek the support of family, friends, or experts. Finding good coping mechanisms for withdrawal symptoms, such as drinking plenty of water, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and turning to natural therapies, can also lessen their severity. It is possible to successfully manage marijuana withdrawal symptoms with the right assistance and coping skills. Magnified Health Systems is here to aid you in your recovery journey. Contact us at (833) 930-3414.

Marijuana Withdrawal FAQs

What are the common withdrawal symptoms of marijuana?

Common withdrawal symptoms of marijuana include irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, and physical discomforts such as headaches or stomach pains.

How long do marijuana withdrawal symptoms last?

Depending on the person and the extent of their addiction, the duration of cannabis withdrawal symptoms can vary. The first week is usually when withdrawal symptoms peak, and they can linger for up to two to three weeks.

Can withdrawal symptoms be treated?

Treatment options for withdrawal symptoms include medication and counseling. Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications, for example, can help manage the symptoms. The root reasons for addiction can be addressed through behavioral therapy as well.

How can I help a loved one going through marijuana withdrawal?

Support and understanding are essential for a loved one going through marijuana withdrawal. Encourage them to seek professional help, and offer to help them find resources such as addiction treatment centers or support groups. It is also essential to be patient and non-judgmental and to avoid enabling the individual's addiction.

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Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.

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