Cannabis Withdrawal & Detox
If you’ve tried to quit cannabis in the past, you may have experienced marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Heavy and chronic marijuana smokers are likely to experience more challenging withdrawal symptoms than lighter smokers.
Even though cannabis withdrawal is not as dangerous as detoxing from ‘hard’ drugs like cocaine and heroin, it may be an uncomfortable experience for you. The cannabis withdrawal syndrome differs between people, and while some people who have mild dependencies may be able to quit on their own, long-term smokers may have developed a tolerance that may benefit from professional assistance when they decide to quit marijuana.
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms vary between people. Typically, patients who have used marijuana for longer are likely to experience more severe marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Research indicates that
the earlier a person starts smoking cannabis, the more likely they are to become addicted
.
Prolonged and heavy use of cannabis causes chemical changes to take place in your brain and this could result in you developing a physical dependence. These chemical changes contribute to cravings for cannabis and uncomfortable symptoms when you try to quit. These changes are more profound in the developing adolescent brain, and withdrawal can be more difficult for younger people.
In most cases, marijuana withdrawal symptoms tend to peak during the first week of marijuana use cessation, and start to improve within two weeks in the marijuana detox process.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms in the cannabis withdrawal syndrome may include
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Craving cannabis
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Restlessness and agitation
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Anger
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Thirst and dry mouth
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Stomach pain
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Headaches
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Loss of appetite and weight
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Fatigue or insomnia
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Vivid or unusual dreams
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Limb spasms or muscle twitching
Many clients will recover from a physical cannabis dependency in a few weeks but some report experiencing psychological symptoms like depression, mood swings and anxiety for a few months after recovery.
Detoxification Timeline
On the first day of a marijuana detox, you are likely to start experiencing marijuana withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms typically peak 48 to 72 hours later, and may last for two to three weeks. Heavy and chronic cannabis smokers have reported psycho-emotional symptoms months after they quit. Knowing what to expect may soften the severity a little.
On the first day you will start to experience withdrawal symptoms, you may feel irritable, anxious or emotionally fragile. Insomnia and sleep disturbances are common in the first 24-hours after you quit marijuana. In the upcoming few days, restlessness and agitation are common with most other marijuana withdrawal symptoms peaking during the first four days. You may notice a loss of appetite. By day three you may experience strong cravings for cannabis. At this point, chills and sweating is common, and some will also experience stomach pains and other unpleasant symptoms.
In the next weeks, a low mood or depression may set in as your brain chemistry changes, and your body functions without a supply of THC. It is still possible to have cravings by this stage and so you should be cognizant of the possibility of a relapse.
It’s important to note that some clients report feelings of depression and anxiety up to a few months after they stop using cannabis.
Supervised Medical Detox
Medication-assisted treatments are often offered during detoxes for substance abuse; however, cannabis use disorder is generally not considered physiologically dangerous, and thus does not require medication.
Marijuana detox is most comfortable in a supervised facility so that medical staff can assist you with symptomatic discomfort. You are less likely to relapse in a supervised detox center and there is a team of supportive people available to make the experience easier on you with medical assistance if needed.
Attending a supervised medical detox gives you the best chance of long-term recovery from marijuana use disorders.
Substitute medication
Currently there is no medication available to address marijuana use cravings. In detox programs for other substances, substitute medication may be prescribed to help you to gradually decrease your dependence but you will still experience withdrawal symptoms.
Non-narcotic comfort medications may be recommended for some people during detox. Symptomatic relief can be sought for physical symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, muscle pain and headaches.
Supervisors
Each detox program begins with a client evaluation that is carried out by our medical team. Tests will be done and a full medical history will be taken so the team can understand each client and what you need from their detox program to lessen the effect of marijuana withdrawal. The medical team consists of health care providers : nurses, doctors and nutritionists who will monitor your vital signs, health conditions and ensure you are kept healthy and hydrated.
Our team of experienced therapists and counselors are available to provide psycho-emotional support to you throughout the process so that you can reach your recovery goals.
Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis is when you have a mental health disorder and an addiction. There are some mental health disorders that frequently present alongside addictions, and they are sometimes the underlying cause of the addiction.
It is estimated that 45% of people with an addiction also have a co-occurring mental health disorder
. Clients with mental health disorders are estimated to be twice as likely to experience substance use disorders. It is common for people with mental health disorders to mask the underlying issue by using cannabis to self-medicate.
People who have mental health disorders with substance dependencies require an integrated and carefully supervised detox to monitor any psychological symptoms or mental disorders that could become life threatening.
Why Choose United Recovery CA for Cannabis Detox?
Once your marijuana use and thc detox is complete you can enrol for in-patient or out-patient cannabis rehab program in a familiar setting as you learn the tools and coping skills required to address the underlying triggers that resulted in your drug dependency. Aftercare, support groups and sober living homes provide you with extended care programs that facilitate long term sobriety in an understanding community and helps avoid relapse into drug abuse.
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About Our Drug Detox Center
Our marijuana and thc detox center has been created to assist you in your journey to healing and recovery from substance abuse. Situated in a peaceful and luxurious estate, an hour away from the hustle of Los Angeles, our experienced medical team is available to assist you in your journey of addiction recovery and sobriety.
We offer a supervised inpatient detox program, to help you eliminate cannabis safely from your system. During the program we provide 24-hour medical care as well as monitoring and relief from symptomatic discomfort. We also provide emotional and psychological support to all our detox clients, plus thc detox methods.
We ensure that you receive adequate nutrition and that you are hydrated to support the detoxification of toxins from your body. Looking after yourself at home and making healthy choices is more challenging during detox and marijuana withdrawal.
How Long Does Cannabis Detox Last?
Marijuana use detox can last from several days to two or three weeks. Our inpatient program
is a 10-to-14-day detox, following which you may decide to enter a rehab program. Clients who are heavy, daily or chronic users of marijuana may undergo longer detoxes for their marijuana use disorders.
During the detox process, your body needs to adjust to functioning without THC. How it responds (marijuana withdrawal) to this depends on a few different factors, such as your general state of health, your metabolism and whether you have a dependency on any other substances. Cannabis’ active compound, THC, is stored in the body’s fat cells, which means that it can take longer to eliminate than some other substances. This can cause a longer withdrawal period or more intense symptoms for some clients.
Because cannabis is a psycho-active substance, some people report feelings of anxiety and depression up to a few months after they have stopped smoking it, which is why a therapeutic program is beneficial for long term sobriety and to monitor any marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxification Symptoms and Management
In our experience, a lot of people who have cannabis dependencies develop a fear of withdrawing from it, and thus a fear of detoxification. Part of your detox and recovery is embracing life after detoxing from cannabis. It can be done. Your new life after your recovery journey is sitting on the other side of fear, and we can help you to get through it.
Mood disturbances, anger and irritation
Many people who have cannabis dependencies may use the substance to self-medicate and help them to manage strong emotions and difficult situations. Marijuana use as a coping mechanism means that when you stop using it, you do not have the resources to deal with life’s daily stressors.
Going through a marijuana detox in a supervised environment ensures you are in a safe and stress-free environment, where you have the time and a supportive space to adjust to a new way of functioning.
Insomnia, sleep disturbances and strange dreams
Sleep disturbances, vivid dreams and insomnia are commonly reported symptoms of detox from marijuana use. While these symptoms are likely to improve the longer you abstain from using marijuana, they can be distressing and unsettling. Not getting enough sleep or quality sleep can exacerbate withdrawal.
Completing your detox program in
supervised facilities can help with regulating your circadian rhythm while you adjust to a cannabis-free lifestyle. Support and input from medical staff will put your mind at ease and help you to regulate your sleep patterns.
Loss of appetite, eating problems and hydration
Because of the way that THC changes your brain chemistry, and especially that which regulates appetite and pleasure, many recovering cannabis users struggle to have an appetite during detox. Furthermore, dehydration can amplify the withdrawal symptoms.
By attending a supervised detox in a medical facility, you will receive nutrition and hydration support during the detox process. Consuming alcohol or caffeine may contribute to cravings and worsen withdrawal symptoms, so having professionals manage your nutrition and hydration will ensure you make healthy choices that support your long-term sobriety.
Do You Need Help?
We can help you get better. Together, we can build up your confidence and you can regain control over your life!
Contact us now to ask about our Drug Detoxes now!
Full Program for Detox-Only Admissions
An effective drug rehabilitation program begins with a detox to eliminate dependency-causing substances from your system. Only once your dependency to substances has been addressed, can you start to work through the underlying causes of addiction, in a rehabilitation program.
Because co-occurring alcohol and prescription drug dependencies can cause aggressive and potentially harmful withdrawal symptoms, medically-assisted detoxes are highly recommended if these substance use disorders are combined with your cannabis use.
You may wish to enroll for a detox-only service if you book an aftercare or follow-up rehab treatment. Aftercare and follow-up rehab is highly recommended for long-term recovery as it will assist you to manage cravings later on. Addressing the root causes of your dependency should be embraced once you have detoxed.
