Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
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Read More ›Marijuana withdrawal, while uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating, is not usually life threatening. Someone who experiences marijuana withdrawal should consider marijuana addiction treatment, as those who experience this issue are often heavy abusers of the drug.
What is Marijuana Withdrawal?
Withdrawal occurs when a person becomes dependent on a drug, or when they do not feel normal in the absence of it. This usually occurs when a person has been using marijuana heavily for a while. Withdrawal is the physical and psychological presence of dependence that occurs when the user suddenly stops smoking the drug.
According to the NLM, “Some people get addicted to marijuana after using it for a while.” Although the drug can be addictive over time, there are some factors that influence this. The NLM states that it’s “more likely to happen if they use marijuana every day, or started using it when they were teenagers.” Dependence and withdrawal are not always signs of addiction, but in the case of marijuana abuse, they often go together.
Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal may involve a period of insomnia.
According to the NCPIC, here are some of the “most common symptoms” of marijuana withdrawal:
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- “Reduced appetite”
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Insomnia and “sleep difficulties”
- Strange dreams
Marijuana withdrawal can also include depressive symptoms which, depending on the person, can be problematic. There isn’t a high risk of suicidal tendencies as determined by studies, but the possibility still exists. Someone who is withdrawing from marijuana should be watched and helped through the process, as it will not be easy to go through alone.
Cravings are also an important part of marijuana withdrawal. The person who is going through withdrawal will have strong cravings for the drug, especially after being a long-time user.
Actions of Someone Going Through Marijuana Withdrawal
The actions of someone going through marijuana withdrawal will not always be kind or understandable, but it is important to understand and recognize what is happening to them. Irritability is a common symptom, and those going through marijuana withdrawal may not be easy to be around. They will likely be sleep deprived, uncomfortable, and anxious.
According to the NCPIC, “even though these symptoms are not life threatening, they can be distressing enough for the person trying to stop smoking marijuana, to start using again.” This is a common occurrence in marijuana addicts who begin the slow process of withdrawal. It is important that they are reminded of why they quit and helped through this difficult time by friends and family. Often, this can be the most helpful aspect toward recovery: a support system made up of loved ones.
As stated by the NIDA, “Although no medications are currently available, recent discoveries about the workings of the endocannabinoid system offer promise for the development of medications to ease withdrawal, block the intoxicating effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse.” Medicinal assistance can make withdrawal much easier on the addicted individual. If you are concerned that a friend is going through marijuana withdrawal, make sure not to leave the person alone for long and consider marijuana detox and addiction treatment.
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Finding Help for Marijuana Addiction
- An addiction to marijuana causes loss of motivation, problems with a person's employment, issues in school and more. Finding treatment can get you on the road to recovery.
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Finding Relief for Marijuana Withdrawal
- When a person who regularly smokes marijuana stops doing so, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms dissipate in time, and you can find relief. Over the counter remedies and small lifestyle changes go a long way.
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Health Effects of Marijuana
- Smoking marijuana has negative health effects similar to smoking tobacco products. Marijuana use can impact a person's health in other ways, as well.
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Marijuana Street Names
- Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs. Most people do not call it marijuana or even cannabis, and instead use a number of slang names.
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Warning Signs of Marijuana Addiction
- An addiction to marijuana makes people act in ways they otherwise would not have. They may be more lethargic, less motivated, and have less interest in doing things they previously enjoyed.