Table of Contents
About Marijuana Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal, also known as cannabis withdrawal or weed withdrawal, is a physical and psychological syndrome that results from the sudden cessation of marijuana use. Many people these days say that marijuana is not addictive, but this is absolutely false. Marijuana withdrawal is a definitive medical condition that appears in the DSM-5 under the term cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana withdrawal, Emerge Healing Center can help. Our marijuana rehab in Alpharetta, Georgia can help you overcome withdrawal from marijuana in the safest and most comfortable way possible. Learn more below, or call us today to see how we can help you make it through cannabis withdrawal and into long-term recovery.
How Common is Marijuana Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from marijuana is more common than many people suspect. While studies vary, roughly half of the people who regularly use cannabis report cannabis withdrawal symptoms. This is in stark contrast to the common misconception that marijuana withdrawal is not real, or is rare.
The exact figure varies among the groups surveyed, but among people who use medical cannabis for pain, 59% reported experiencing cannabis withdrawal. Among people who use illicit cannabis, 47% reported experiencing cannabis withdrawal.
What Is Marijuana Withdrawal?
Marijuana withdrawal refers to a series of symptoms experienced by someone who abruptly stops or significantly reduces their heavy and prolonged use of marijuana. These symptoms occur because the body becomes accustomed to the regular presence of cannabinoids, particularly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in the system. When the intake of these cannabinoids is reduced, the body reacts to their absence, leading to marijuana withdrawal, referred to as cannabis withdrawal syndrome by medical professionals.
What Causes Marijuana Withdrawal?
Marijuana withdrawal is caused by the body’s dependence on THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
Regular use of marijuana leads to adaptations in the brain’s endocannabinoid system, making it reliant on the external supply of cannabinoids. When marijuana use is stopped, the brain must readjust to the absence of THC, leading to marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
Neurological Effects of Cannabinoids in the Marijuana Withdrawal Process
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS): The ECS is crucial in regulating mood, appetite, pain sensation, and memory. THC mimics the effects of endocannabinoids, the natural chemicals in the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors. Chronic use of marijuana can alter the sensitivity and density of cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the ECS.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Regular marijuana use affects neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters play essential roles in mood regulation, stress response, and sleep. When marijuana use stops, the imbalance of these neurotransmitters can contribute to withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
- Brain Adaptations: Prolonged exposure to THC can lead to changes in brain regions associated with reward, motivation, and emotional regulation, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. During marijuana withdrawal, these brain regions struggle to function normally without the presence of THC, leading to mood swings, irritability, and other psychological symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal?
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on a person’s marijuana usage patterns, the amount of marijuana consumed, and their overall health. Some of the most common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:
Psychological Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Restlessness
Physical Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Fever and chills
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Tremors or shakiness
How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?
The timeline for marijuana withdrawal can vary significantly between different people. This difference in the duration of the marijuana withdrawal timeline is due to multiple factors, including the length of time someone used marijuana, the amounts of marijuana used, and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders to name a few.
The initial timeline for marijuana withdrawal is known as acute marijuana withdrawal. This is characterized by the most severe symptoms of cannabis withdrawal syndrome. While it typically resolves within a week or two, it can be a very unpleasant experience.
After the acute phase of the marijuana withdrawal timeline, some people may experience lingering, post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These vary greatly between people but may last for several more weeks to a few months.
Again, the timeline for marijuana withdrawal can vary significantly from person to person. That being said, we can present a general overview of the marijuana withdrawal timeline. While we are generalizing, an overview of the timeline for marijuana withdrawal may last for roughly a month and may include:
First 72 Hours of Marijuana Withdrawal
Initial symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and cravings begin to appear. Sleep disturbances and decreased appetite may also start during this period. The first few days of marijuana withdrawal often include anxiety, restlessness, and sleep difficulties.
Hours 72-168 of Marijuana Withdrawal
Between days 4 through 7 of the marijuana withdrawal timeline, symptoms may continue but typically begin to decrease in intensity. Mood swings, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, and cravings for marijuana can persist.
Weeks 2-4 of Marijuana Withdrawal
By this point, most physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal have usually subsided, but psychological symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and cravings may linger.
Post-Acute Marijuana Withdrawal
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) refers to the prolonged withdrawal symptoms that persist after the acute withdrawal phase. For marijuana, PAWS can include a range of psychological and physical symptoms that can linger for weeks or even months after stopping use. These post-acute marijuana withdrawal symptoms are generally less intense than those experienced during the acute phase of marijuana withdrawal but can still significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being.
Some of the most common symptoms of post-acute marijuana withdrawal may include:
- Mood Swings: Someone may experience fluctuating moods, including irritability, depression, and anxiety.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.
- Cognitive Issues: Problems with concentration, memory, and executive functioning.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy levels.
- Anhedonia: Reduced ability to experience pleasure from activities once found enjoyable.
- Marijuana Cravings: Ongoing cravings for marijuana, though typically less intense than during the acute phase of marijuana withdrawal.
Call Our Marijuana Rehab Center Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana withdrawal or marijuana use disorder, call Emerge Healing Center today. We can help you find which marijuana detox center and marijuana rehab facility is appropriate for your situation.
Getting Treatment For Marijuana Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal treatment in Alpharetta, Georgia, involves a combination of medications and therapies to manage symptoms and support recovery. This approach helps our clients overcome the physical and psychological challenges associated with stopping marijuana use.
Several of the most effective medications and therapies for treating marijuana withdrawal include:
While no medications are specifically approved for treating marijuana withdrawal, several types of medications can help alleviate symptoms:
Medications for Treating Marijuana Withdrawal
As of 2024, there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating marijuana withdrawal. That being said, several medications may be used off-label to help alleviate specific symptoms of marijuana withdrawal.
Some effective medications for marijuana withdrawal treatment include:
1. Anxiolytics and Antidepressants
- SSRIs and SNRIs: Medications like sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) can help manage anxiety and depression that often accompany withdrawal.
- Nefazodone: This is an atypical antidepressant that has shown promise in treating cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
- Benzodiazepines: Short-term use of benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can help with acute anxiety and insomnia. However, they are generally used with caution and for short periods due to the risk of dependency.
2. Sleep Aids
- Melatonin: A natural hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, often used to manage insomnia.
- Zolpidem (Ambien): A prescription sleep aid that can help manage severe sleep disturbances often caused by marijuana withdrawal.
3. Anti-Nausea Medications
- Ondansetron (Zofran): Effective in treating nausea and stomach discomfort associated with withdrawal.
4. Blood Pressure Medications
- Lofexidine (Lucemyra): Lofexidine was developed as a blood pressure medication, however, it has shown promise in treating marijuana withdrawal. It has also shown promise in treating other drug withdrawal syndromes, including opiate withdrawal.
5. THC Analogs
- Dronabinol (Marinol): Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC that was originally used to help treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and anorexia. It can be used in a taper method to alleviate marijuana withdrawal symptoms during the early acute phase of marijuana withdrawal. This is often only used in cases of severe marijuana withdrawal and is not intended for long-term use.
Effective Therapies for Marijuana Withdrawal Treatment
Treatment for marijuana withdrawal in Alpharetta, Georgia, involves a comprehensive approach that includes both medications and various therapeutic interventions. At Emerge Healing Center, we have found several therapies to be effective in treating marijuana withdrawal.
These evidence-based therapies have been especially effective in treating post-acute marijuana withdrawal:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy in Alpharetta helps our clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with marijuana use. Research shows that CBT is effective in reducing marijuana use and preventing relapse by teaching coping skills and strategies to handle stress and cravings for marijuana.
2. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART is a newer therapy that combines elements of several existing therapies to resolve traumatic memories and psychological stress quickly. Accelerated resolution therapy in Alpharetta, Georgia can provide rapid symptom relief, sometimes in just a few sessions, by helping our clients reframe the traumatic experiences and memories that often arise during marijuana withdrawal.
3. Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention strategies include identifying triggers, developing coping skills, and creating a support network to maintain sobriety from marijuana use. Support groups like Marijuana Anonymous (MA) provide ongoing support and accountability, helping people stay committed and engaged on their recovery journey.
Get Help for Marijuana Withdrawal Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, marijuana abuse, or marijuana withdrawal then Emerge Healing Center is here for you. Our marijuana rehab in Alpharetta, Georgia can help you break free from weed and find a new way to live.
This journey often begins at a medical detox center in Alpharetta to make it through marijuana withdrawal in the safest and most comfortable way possible. Then, marijuana addiction treatment can help you begin building a solid foundation in recovery. If you’re ready to change your life, call Emerge Healing Center at 770-573-0055 today.
If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, then Emerge Healing Center is here for you. Call us today and we will help you find the best marijuana addiction treatment center for your particular situation.
More Marijuana Addiction Treatment Resources
If you’d like to learn more about marijuana withdrawal, then read some of our informative articles below. We dive into every aspect of treating marijuana addiction so that we can answer any questions you may have.