I Think I’m Going Through Marijuana Withdrawal

Understanding Marijuana Withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal is a real and challenging experience for many users who choose to reduce or stop their cannabis use. It's important to understand the prevalence of marijuana use and its impact on health to fully comprehend the reality of withdrawal.

Prevalence of Marijuana Use

Marijuana use is prevalent among different age groups, especially in teenagers. In a 2019 study, 11.8% of 8th-grade students admitted to using marijuana. This percentage rose to 28.8% among 10th-grade students, indicating increased marijuana use as teens grow older [1]. Contrary to the common misconception among young adults that marijuana is not habit-forming, about one in 10 marijuana users will develop a dependency on the drug. This dependency results in symptoms of withdrawal when usage is reduced or stopped.

Impact of Marijuana on Health

Regular marijuana use can negatively impact learning, attention spans, and memory. Users are less likely to graduate from high school and have a higher risk of becoming dependent on other substances. A significant number of regular users experience cannabis withdrawal syndrome, with a meta-analysis of studies involving over 23,000 individuals showing that 47% of participants fell into this category.

The use of potent marijuana, such as in "dabbing" where high levels of THC is vaporized and inhaled, can lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include insomnia, strange dreams, irritability, anxiety, changes in appetite, and mood swings. Also, individuals with mood, anxiety, personality disorders, or PTSD may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms.

The impact of marijuana on health extends to the risk of developing a substance use disorder, with about 3 in 10 cannabis users falling into this category. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of cannabis comes with a 10% chance of developing such a disorder [3].

This understanding of marijuana usage and its impacts on health sets the stage for a deeper examination of the symptoms, progression, and management of marijuana withdrawal.

Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal

If you're finding yourself thinking, "I think I’m going through marijuana withdrawal," it's crucial to understand the signs and symptoms associated with this process. Here, we'll delve into the common symptoms and discuss the factors that influence the severity of the withdrawal.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can vary in type and intensity, but some common patterns have been observed in individuals ceasing use of the substance. Withdrawal symptoms may include uncontrollable mood swings, reduced appetite, irritability, insomnia, headaches, sweating, cold sweats, body chills, upset stomach, worsened depression, acute anxiety, and digestive troubles [1]. Some individuals may also experience strange dreams during withdrawal [2].

These symptoms can be uncomfortable, although typically are not severe or dangerous. They can pose challenges to individuals trying to quit or reduce their marijuana use.

Factors Influencing Severity

The severity of marijuana withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Factors such as the frequency of marijuana use, the duration of use, and the individual's overall health and mental state can influence the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Cannabis withdrawal is typically not as severe as withdrawal from other substances such as opioids, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. However, physical and psychological symptoms can still be experienced as the body adjusts to not having a regular supply of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal typically occur 24–48 hours after cessation, with most symptoms generally peaking at days 2–6. Anxiety, irritability, anger, disturbed sleep, depressed mood, and loss of appetite are common features of cannabis withdrawal. Less common physical symptoms include chills, headaches, physical tension, sweating, and stomach pain.

Understanding the common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and the factors influencing their severity can provide individuals with a clearer picture of what to expect during this process. It's crucial to seek professional help and support during this period to manage symptoms effectively and move towards recovery.

Duration and Progression of Withdrawal

Understanding the timeline and progression of withdrawal symptoms can help those going through the process to be better prepared and informed. It's important to remember that individual experiences can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the frequency and duration of marijuana use, the individual's overall health, and the presence of any underlying mental health conditions.

Timeline of Symptoms

Most people will experience the bulk of their marijuana withdrawal symptoms for the first two to three weeks after quitting. Symptoms should slowly improve over the course of these three weeks.

However, certain psychological symptoms of marijuana withdrawal may last for up to 5 weeks after quitting marijuana use. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and strange dreams, may persist for 30-45 days after stopping marijuana use. This is often a cause for relapse back to marijuana use.

Recovery and Improvement

During the initial phase of withdrawal, symptoms related to residual drug effects, such as feeling high, mellow, stimulated, hungry, and thirsty, are prevalent. These symptoms are positively correlated with plasma and oral fluid cannabinoid concentrations on admission. However, these symptoms significantly decrease over time.

The combined influence of residual/offset drug effects, withdrawal, and craving is observed in chronic cannabis smokers during monitored abstinence. This can be a challenging period, but with time and the right support, these symptoms will gradually subside.

It's crucial to remember that recovery is a process, and improvement will come with time. Relapses can occur, but they should not be seen as a failure. Instead, they should be viewed as a part of the journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Remember, help and support are available for those going through marijuana withdrawal.

Management of Marijuana Withdrawal

Managing marijuana withdrawal can be challenging, but there are several strategies and treatments that can help to alleviate the symptoms and make the process more manageable. These largely fall into two categories: psychosocial interventions and pharmacological treatments.

Psychosocial Interventions

The mainstay of cannabis withdrawal management has been psychosocial education, supportive counseling, and behavioral therapies. These interventions focus on providing individuals with the tools and strategies they need to manage their withdrawal symptoms and maintain abstinence.

Psychosocial education involves educating individuals about marijuana withdrawal and what they can expect throughout the process. This education can help individuals to better understand their symptoms and how to manage them effectively.

Supportive counseling provides individuals with emotional support and guidance during the withdrawal process. This counseling can help individuals to cope with the psychological symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety and mood disturbances.

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), can help individuals to change their thoughts and behaviors related to marijuana use. These therapies can help individuals to identify triggers for use, develop effective coping strategies, and maintain motivation for abstinence.

These psychosocial interventions have been shown to be effective in managing the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and can be an important part of a comprehensive withdrawal management plan. (source)

Medications and Treatments

While there are no medications currently approved specifically for medically assisted withdrawal (MAW) in cannabis users, some pharmacological agents have shown promising results in controlled trials. These medications, including dronabinol and quetiapine, have been used to manage short-term symptoms like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and nausea. However, it's important to note that the efficacy of these medications has not been consistently replicated and they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. (PubMed)

To sum up, while the journey through marijuana withdrawal can be difficult, there are interventions and treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms and improve outcomes. It's important for individuals going through withdrawal to seek professional help and support in order to safely and effectively navigate this process.

Risks and Complications

When dealing with marijuana withdrawal, understanding the potential risks and complications can help individuals navigate the process more effectively. It is important to note that the severity and type of complications can vary significantly from person to person, often influenced by factors such as mental health and polysubstance use.

Severe Adverse Outcomes

Research suggests that cannabis withdrawal does not typically result in severe adverse outcomes. The main concern with marijuana withdrawal is that it may undermine attempts at abstinence by leading to a relapse. The withdrawal symptoms can be alleviated by resuming cannabis use, which can create a cycle that is hard to break.

Although severe adverse outcomes are not common, individuals going through withdrawal may experience significant discomfort. This can include physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach pain, and psychological symptoms like anxiety or mood swings. These symptoms, while not life-threatening, can impact daily life and overall well-being.

Complications in Withdrawal

Complications during marijuana withdrawal are typically more common in individuals with medical or psychiatric comorbidities. Polysubstance use and dependence can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms, and concurrent mental health conditions can further complicate the withdrawal process [4].

In these instances, withdrawal may require additional management strategies. Currently, there are no medications officially approved for managing cannabis withdrawal syndrome, but some pharmacological agents, such as dronabinol, quetiapine, and nabiximols, have shown promising results in controlled trials.

If you or someone you know is thinking, "I think I’m going through marijuana withdrawal," it's important to seek professional help. Medical professionals can provide guidance and resources to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and support the journey towards recovery. It's crucial to remember that withdrawal is a process, and it's okay to reach out for help when needed.

Support Resources for Withdrawal

When grappling with substance withdrawal, including marijuana withdrawal, support is pivotal. Recourses can come in various forms, ranging from community-based programs to Indigenous-specific resources.

Community-Based Programs

Community-based programs play a vital role in providing support to individuals undergoing marijuana withdrawal. The Canadian government provides resources and information for individuals who need help with substance use. This includes overdose prevention resources and quit smoking services, without direct links to private clinics or for-profit organizations.

Canada-wide services are available to help individuals needing assistance with substance use, including overdose prevention and tobacco cessation. These services can be accessed through various contact methods such as hotlines, text services, and online support groups.

The Canadian Mental Health Association provides a Naloxone 101 Toolkit to educate individuals on how, why, and when to use a naloxone kit, as well as information on obtaining one for free.

Individuals seeking information on community-based prevention programs for substance use can contact their community nursing station, health center, band council, or local regional office for assistance [6].

Indigenous-Specific Resources

Recognizing the unique needs and cultural contexts of Indigenous communities, there are specific resources tailored to Indigenous peoples in Canada. This includes First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals. They have access to culturally sensitive resources for dealing with substance use, offered through programs like the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and the National Youth Solvent Abuse Program [6].

These programs aim to provide Indigenous-specific, culturally appropriate support services. They strive to incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices in their approach to substance use treatment and recovery. This culturally grounded approach aims to empower individuals and communities in their journey towards recovery.

Supporting someone undergoing marijuana withdrawal can be challenging. However, these resources provide essential assistance to those struggling, offering a lifeline in their journey towards recovery. Remember that help is available, and recovery is possible.

References

[1]: https://windwardway.com/substance-abuse/marijuana/withdrawal/

‍[2]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/weed-marijuana

‍[3]: https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-withdrawal

‍[4]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110555/

‍[5]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3986824/

‍[6]: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html