Withdrawal from cannabis is a subject that many might not be as conversant on, given that the use of cannabis is becoming common as different states liberalize its use. Although many may see cannabis as such a harmless substance, there is recognition of withdrawal upon cessation due to these side effects. In this article we will discuss withdrawal symptoms from cannabis, explain why this occurs, and examine methods of controlling it.
What are the Common Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal?
There is a scale of unpleasant symptoms that you may experience when stopping cannabis after regular use. They are known as cannabis withdrawal symptoms. These can vary significantly from one individual to another; however, most people do experience a combination of physical and psychological conditions.
What Are the Physical Symptoms?
Physical symptoms from cannabis withdrawal can be quite uncomfortable. There are quite a few that may include:
- Irritability: You may get irritated or angry more easily than usual.
- Sleep Disturbances: You probably have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
- Loss of appetite: You may avoid eating more than you did before.
- Nausea: Some individuals, after quitting, feel queasy in their stomach.
- Abdominal Pain: You may be accompanied by stomach pain.
These symptoms are most significant the first week of quitting and can last up to two weeks at their worst.
What Are the Psychological Symptoms?
The psychological side also bears withdrawal symptoms. Some of the psychological symptoms include:
- Anxiety: You will feel more anxious and restless.
- Cannabis Cravings: You will want to use cannabis again, which is tough to control.
- Changes in mood: Your emotions might go sky-high.
These can even persist once the physical signs have receded.
How Long Do the Symptoms Last?
The duration that the symptoms last depends on one individual and another. In most people, withdrawal symptoms tend to improve after approximately one week of onset. In some others, they might take up to two weeks. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors, among them how long and how much you have used cannabis.
What Factors Influence the Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms?
The following are some of the significant determining factors for the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms:
- Frequency: Those who use cannabis daily are likely to have more dreadful withdrawal symptoms compared to people who sometimes do the activity.
- Duration: The risk for withdrawing symptoms will also be higher when usage is over a long period.
- Individual differences: The body will vary from one individual to another, and so you can have an easier time or a tougher time than others.
In summary, quitting cannabis is accompanied by withdrawal symptoms from the very first day if you decide to do it. Knowing what you may go through can make the process easier to handle.
Why Does Cannabis Cause Withdrawal?
So why does marijuana induce withdrawal symptoms once you have stopped using it? It all hinges on THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. With habitual use of marijuana, your brain becomes used to having THC around. When you suddenly stop, your body needs to adjust to this change and thus can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Role of THC
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main chemical in marijuana. It attaches to your brain's receptors, which is what produces the high you get from it.
Brain's Adaptation to Cannabis
Your brain is pretty flexible. The more you consume cannabis, the more it changes its function.
- Receptors: your brain's cannabinoid receptors change in sensitivity
- Endogenous Cannabinoids: Your body produces cannabinoids endogenously; using cannabis triggers your body to reduce this production.
- Withdrawal Period: stopping cannabis triggers your brain to reboot and learn how to function without the extra THC.
Impact of Increased Potency
Cannabis has become much more potent over the years. Here is a brief rundown of how THC levels changed over time:
|
Year |
Average THC Content |
|
1990s |
3.8% |
|
2014 |
12.2% |
High THC levels mean more extreme effects and potentially stronger withdrawal.
Increased Addiction: A higher THC level is even more likely to result in increased use and, therefore, the potential for withdrawal.
Differences Between Medical and Recreational Use
Not all cannabis use is alike. For instance, here is a comparison between medical and recreational use:
- Medical Usage: More often low in THC and high in CBD. Possible withdrawal symptoms may not be as severe.
- Recreational: Can potentially withdraw with higher levels of THC.
- Counseling: Medical users also often seem to have better counseling that can aid in withdrawal.
Understanding how cannabis modifies your brain and what might take place when its use has been discontinued may ease making informed decisions on possibly using it.
How to Manage and Treat Cannabis Withdrawal?
Managing and treating cannabis withdrawal can be challenging, but there are effective strategies in place to help you through it. Understanding your options is key to easing the discomfort.
What Are Some Self-Care Tips?
Self-care is essential while trying to stop using cannabis. Here are some ways to help you cope:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
- Eat Well: Focus on a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to raise your mood and energy.
- Get Enough Sleep: Rest will help your body to heal.
- Stay Active: Exercise regularly and see how it can make you happy and reduce anxiety levels.
- Seek Support: Speak with friends or family members who can support you.
What Medical Treatments Are Available?
If you are not able, or unable, to stick to the self-care, then there are some medical treatments that might work. Some such treatments include:
- Medications: Some medications like dronabinol (man-made THC) or gabapentin for anxiety may be prescribed. However, they also bring side effects.
- Medical Cannabis: This medication for pain can reduce withdrawal symptoms among some people. However, one needs a doctor's prescription first.
- Medically Assisted Withdrawal: This program is somehow professional assistance given in terms of management of severe withdrawal symptoms.
How Can Behavioral Therapies Help?
Behavioral therapies, like CBT, can also be beneficial in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms from cannabis. The interventions may include:
- Knowledge of triggers that cause cannabis use.
- Development of coping skills for craving control.
- Changing negative thinking patterns related to cannabis.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You may think it is the right time to seek professional help when you are unable to handle withdrawal symptoms on your own. Consider the following:
- Rehabilitation Centers: If your withdrawal is severe, a rehabilitation center offers more structured support.
- Out-patient therapy: You will see a therapist at scheduled time intervals and can use those sessions to stay on track.
- Support groups: Connecting with others who have passed through similar experiences can motivate you and be understood.
Don't forget, quitting cannabis is a journey, and it is possible to ask for help as you go along. You are not alone in this!
What are the Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use?
Regular marijuana use affects your mind and body in several ways. Such effects may differ immensely from one cannabis user to another, depending on their rates and extent of using it.
Cognitive Impairments
Impaired cognition is a sad consequence of long-term marijuana effects. It means that your ability to think, remember, and learn may be slowed. Scientists have proposed that:
- Long-term cannabis use can impair the memory.
- You could easily be diverted or become indecisive.
- Learning can also become difficult.
Mental Health Issues
Using cannabis has also been documented to pose mental health-related effects. Some of them include:
- Increased anxiety or feeling paranoid.
- Having a risk that will contribute to the development of depression.
- Activation of a previous condition.
Physical Health Risks
There is also a problem of physical health-related issues that result when using cannabis. Some of the possible ones include:
- If you smoke it, you could face problems related to lungs.
- Increased heart rate, potentially hazardous for some.
- Risk of addiction or cannabis use disorder, and withdrawal when you quit.
Impact on Daily Life
Long-term cannabis use impacts your daily life in several ways:
- You may have difficulties with your work or school responsibilities.
- Relationships with friends and family are impacted.
- Your motivation and energy tend to be lower.
Of course, though the use of cannabis is beneficial to many, let's recall these side effects and keep on being informed about the stuff.
Wrapping It Up: Understanding Cannabis Withdrawal
While cannabis and other cannabis products may seem harmless, regular or dependent use can lead to cannabis withdrawal syndrome and marijuana withdrawal when quitting. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms among frequent users can include irritability, disturbed sleep, and nausea, common among those with dependent use of cannabinoids. Thankfully, these effects usually subside within a week or two. With the prevalence of cannabis withdrawal, there’s support available, from friends to doctors, along with options like cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage substance use and regain control of your health.