Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana is a well-liked drug frequently used for recreational purposes due to its psychoactive effects. Even though many people believe that marijuana does not have an addictive quality, research has shown that long-term use can lead to physical dependence and symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. After heavy or prolonged use of marijuana, an individual may experience marijuana withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly cut back or stop using the drug altogether. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for varying amounts of time, depending on the individual’s level of dependence on the substance and other factors. The following is a list of some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of marijuana:

• Irritability and mood swings.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Headaches and body aches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating and chills.
• Cravings for marijuana.
• Difficulty concentrating and cognitive impairment.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. It contains over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, the most notable being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces the “high” sensation, while CBD does not produce a high but has potential medical benefits.

Marijuana has been used for recreational and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In recent years, there has been growing support for legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 91% of Americans support legalizing medical marijuana, while 60% support legalizing recreational marijuana.

Marijuana is commonly consumed by smoking dried flowers or leaves but can also be consumed in other forms, such as edibles, tinctures, and oils. The potency of marijuana can vary widely depending on the strain, method of consumption, and cultivation conditions.

Marijuana use has both short-term and long-term effects on the body. Short-term effects include altered senses, impaired coordination, and difficulty thinking and problem-solving. Long-term use has been linked to respiratory problems, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

Learn More:

• Marijuana vs Alcohol
• How Long Do Edibles Last?
• Dabs Drug
• Can You Mix Weed and Xanax? Xanax & Weed Smoking Effects, Withdrawal, and Dangers.
• How To Sober Up Fast: Top 12 Effective Ways & Tips. How Long Does It Take To Sober Up From Alcohol, Weed…
• Marijuana and ADHD: Benefits and Risks

36.6%

Marijuana edible use grew by 36.6% among occasional users.

Source: NIH

26%

In the previous month, 26% of marijuana users consumed edibles, and 44% vaped.

Source: NIH

Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

Generally, marijuana withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as a few hours after the last use and can last up to several weeks. The acute withdrawal phase usually lasts for the first week and is characterized by symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, and sweating.

The second marijuana withdrawals phase can last up to several weeks and is characterized by symptoms such as depression, cravings, and difficulty concentrating. It’s important to note that some individuals may not experience withdrawal symptoms, while others may experience more severe ones requiring medical attention.

Marijuana Withdrawal Psychosis

Marijuana withdrawal psychosis is rare, but some heavy marijuana users who stop using it may experience it. Psychosis is a serious mental health problem that causes people to lose touch with reality. This can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and messed up thinking.

In people with marijuana withdrawal psychosis, psychotic symptoms like paranoia, confusion, and hallucinations are possible. Most of the time, these symptoms start within the first week of not using drugs. They can last a few weeks but usually go away independently over time. It’s important to know that only a few people have this symptom, and it’s more likely to happen to people who use a lot and for a long time.

Marijuana can be consumed in various ways, and each method affects how the body processes the drug. Here are some common methods of marijuana consumption:

• Smoking: Smoking marijuana is the most traditional method of consumption. It involves inhaling smoke from burning marijuana flowers rolled into a joint or packed into a pipe. Smoking can lead to the rapid onset of effects, with peak effects usually occurring within 30 minutes.
• Vaporizing: Vaporizing, or vaping, involves heating marijuana to a temperature that releases the active compounds in a vapor form without combustion. This method produces less smoke and may be less harmful to the lungs than smoking.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Substance abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. Traumatic experiences can often result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis programs in New Jersey treat both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life make you rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

If you or someone you know is addicted to marijuana or struggling with mental health conditions, it is important to recognize the danger of use. From ingesting toxins to injury, dabbing can be extremely harmful. If you need help with a marijuana addiction, seek help from trained professionals. Contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up rehab center in New Jersey can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.