Cannabis, also known as Marijuana, Weed, Grass, Mary Jane, Herb, or Pot, is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. While cannabis has been considered a soft drug for many years now and doesn’t have concerns of addiction like other drugs, the use of cannabis or Marijuana for a prolonged period can develop a disorder. It has been reported that individuals who begin using cannabis or Marijuana before the age of 18 are more likely to develop cannabis disorder. While many states in the US have legalized the use of cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes, it has been illegal in the UK since 1928 and still regulated by the government stringently. Yet, opinions about Marijuana keep on changing taking its social acceptability, risks, and benefits into account.
An individual with a habit of using Marijuana or cannabis regularly when attempting to quit may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms can be horrifying but recovery is possible. To understand more about Marijuana or cannabis withdrawal, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, continue reading this article.
Causes of Marijuana or Cannabis Withdrawal
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition), cannabis use disorder can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. It happens when a person becomes dependent on the substance, which is a result of the high doses of Marijuana and brain dysfunction. When these high doses of Marijuana or cannabis are reduced or stopped completely, the withdrawal symptoms emerge. Also, these symptoms are characterized by disturbances in mood, sleep, and appetite.
Symptoms of Marijuana or Cannabis Withdrawal
The intensity, duration, and dosage of cannabis taken determine the severity of symptoms. While they can be unpleasant, you can always see a transformation with correct rehab therapies.
Physical symptoms of cannabis withdrawal can include:
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Sweating
- Tremor
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Psychological Symptoms of cannabis withdrawal include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Diminished appetite
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Elevated heart rate
Cannabis or Marijuana Timeline
Marijuana or cannabis withdrawal symptoms last for weeks and even months because the main chemical responsible for inducing Marijuana’s effects stays in the body for several weeks, instead of several hours. While many of these withdrawal symptoms occur within 24 to 72 hours of stopping heavy use, many people experience them a bit longer. Also, the physical symptoms of cannabis withdrawal tend to fade more quickly than the psychological ones.
If any of these symptoms go more severe than usual, you must seek professional treatment. A professional healthcare provider can determine the root cause of these symptoms and ease their effects.
Treating Cannabis Withdrawal
For anyone who has developed a dependence on Marijuana or Cannabis, there are many treatment options available. While no treatment is superior to the other, the selection of any one depends on an individual’s needs and life situations. Hence, seeking professional help might help. Below are a few treatment options that you can consider:
Inpatient rehab facility: Inpatient rehab facility or treatment centre is 24-hour supervision provided by the therapists to the patients for the duration of their stay at the facility. In inpatient treatment, patients get to share their experiences with their peers and get services including detox and individual, family, and group therapy. Some facilities also provided additional services, such as yoga, art therapy, meditation, nutritional counselling, and recreation therapy.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): A form of intensive outpatient program, partial hospitalization programs are typically held at hospitals and other medical facilities for mental health disorders. These programs are often run by specialized therapists who excel in substance abuse treatment and mental health. In partial hospitalization programs, the therapists also use medications for treating co-occurring disorders.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): In this outpatient treatment, patients can have a more normal daily routine as compared to the full-time inpatient program. IOP is conducted over the course of half the day or less, which patients have to attend regularly. These programs address everything from depression, addictions, eating disorders, and other dependencies without needing 24/7 supervision.
Helpful Therapies
In most addiction treatments, behavioural therapy is widely used and may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): In CBT, patients learn to address their negative or destructive thoughts and behaviours that led them towards substance abuse. The therapists associated with CBT help the user convert those dysfunctional thoughts into positive feelings, behaviours, and thinking patterns.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): Motivational interviewing is an approach taken to awaken a person’s internal motivation to make a change. There may be a few sessions of MI, depending on each individual’s needs.
Contingency Management: This type of behavioural therapy refers to a monitoring process that patients undergo and are further rewarded or reinforced for evidence of positive behavioural change.
Where to Find Help?
Marijuana or cannabis can be really addictive or make people dependent on it. And sudden abstinence from cannabis causes withdrawal or relapse. While fighting the cannabis withdrawal symptoms can be frightful and present unseen challenges, always remember that your patience is the key. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms, and very few of them overcome them on the first attempt. Thankfully, multiple resources are available that can help you quit marijuana or cannabis. Contact your nearest rehab today and ask about everything from the admission process, types of therapies available, and cost of rehab, to eligibility criteria.
