Marijuana withdrawal symptoms typically include irritability, anxiety, and changes in appetite. Many in-patient laboratory studies have identified similar patterns despite variations in study population and design. Mood swings are part of life and can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercise, sleep hygiene practices, relaxation methods, and goal-setting. If you are committed to quitting Marijuana, then you should understand these withdrawal symptoms of marijuana.
What is Tolerance & Withdrawal of Marijuana?
Tolerance to marijuana occurs when regular use reduces its effects, prompting users to need more to achieve the same result. It develops as the brain adjusts to THC, the main psychoactive compound, by reducing cannabinoid receptors or becoming less responsive.
Withdrawal from marijuana can happen after frequent, heavy use stops, often bringing symptoms like irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, and mood swings. These effects, which can last days to weeks, stem from the body readjusting to functioning without regular THC exposure.
Tolerance and withdrawal underline marijuana's potential for dependency, though it generally has a lower risk compared to other substances.
How Long to Feel Normal After Quitting Marijuana?
Most people feel normal within two to four weeks after quitting marijuana, though the timeline varies based on factors like usage frequency, duration, and individual body chemistry. Initial withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes, often peak within the first week and gradually lessen over the following days. By the end of the first month, many report significant improvements in mood, sleep, and mental clarity. However, for heavy, long-term users, some symptoms, like cravings or mild mood fluctuations, can persist for a few months as the brain’s chemical balance fully re-adjusts.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Marijuana
Quitting marijuana offers many benefits, including improved mental clarity, better memory, and increased motivation. Physical health often improves, with enhanced lung function and more energy. Many experience better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and greater emotional stability. Quitting can lead to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle and improved well-being. Here are some of the common withdrawal symptoms:
Understand Emotional Instability Challenges
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and sleep disruptions can be highly distressful, often leading to anxiety and depression in heavy users. Exercise, healthy eating habits, and getting enough rest may all help relieve withdrawal symptoms, though their severity can differ between individuals.
One study demonstrated how nefazodone effectively reduced marijuana withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle pain and anxiety, without altering irritability when used alone. The results revealed it attenuated withdrawal symptoms similarly in both cases.
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Recognize Anxiety Signs
Anxiety is a frequent withdrawal symptom for those who use marijuana, and especially heavy users can experience symptoms that could lead to further drug abuse.
- Note that withdrawal symptoms may not appear immediately upon stopping cannabis consumption.
- THC takes approximately one or two weeks to leave your system completely.
- At times, mood and anxiety changes can persist for several weeks, and it is wise to seek professional assistance to manage these symptoms more effectively.
- To effectively cope with such symptoms, seek assistance from a mental health provider.
You Will Feel Restlessness
Restlessness is an indicator of marijuana withdrawal. This symptom could
result from several factors, including frequency and duration of use as
well as individual physiology. Many people who quit using marijuana
experience sleepless nights, which may lead to feelings of restlessness
and irritability.
Over time, however, this should become less of a concern; the key is
practicing self-care by adding healthy habits like getting enough
restful sleep and practicing mindfulness into a daily routine.
Dealing with Mood Changes
Be mindful that marijuana withdrawal can alter your emotions. This could
include feelings of sadness and depression, which may be worsened by
stress or other underlying mental health conditions.
Though their symptoms may not be as intense, these signs still have the
power to significantly limit your ability to function normally. They
should be recognized in order to take appropriate steps towards healing
yourself and moving on with life. It's good news that with time, these
symptoms should subside.
Younger People Will Feel Irritated
Older adults were less likely to go up in withdrawal symptom severity, while the younger ones would feel more. Frequent episodes of extreme irritability could be an indicator that you are going through marijuana withdrawal since your body and mind have become used to the effects of THC, and they will react when you reduce or discontinue its usage.
- Irritability is a common withdrawal symptom that may last several weeks.
- Try establishing a consistent sleep routine and practicing relaxation techniques to alleviate it.
- Seeing a mental health professional for guidance and support may also prove useful.
Identify Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances
Sleep issues are one of the telltale symptoms of marijuana withdrawal.
So, if this is your situation, you must seek medical advice immediately
if this symptom arises so a healthcare provider can offer guidance and
monitor your progress.
Numerous medications have been employed to manage cannabis withdrawal
symptoms. These include:
- Dronabinol (synthetic THC in nasal spray form)
- Quetiapine
- Nabiximols
- Gabapentin
- Extended-release zolpidem
Unfortunately, none of these medicines produced noticeable improvements to withdrawal syndrome. Divalproex, however, proved more successful at relieving symptoms, specifically irritability, mood lability, and temper outbursts, as well as anxiety and insomnia during alcohol withdrawal, though likely due to its antidepressant properties.
Feeling Severe Headaches
Headaches are one of the hallmarks of cannabis withdrawal. Though painful and intense at first, over time, they will subside. People going through withdrawal may also experience vivid dreams as their brain adjusts to life without cannabis; difficulty sleeping, night sweats, and reduced appetite are also signs of marijuana withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms typically appear within one to two days and reach their peak two to six days later before gradually dissipating over a few weeks.
Manage Physical Discomfort
Experiencing physical discomfort is another telltale sign of marijuana withdrawal, usually manifesting itself through nausea, stomach pain, and other related digestive issues.
- Night sweats are another symptom of marijuana withdrawal that often lasts several days but may differ depending on the individual.
- Cannabis withdrawal symptoms typically start within 48 hours of cannabis use disorder and reach their peak between days 2-6.
- After seven days of abstinence, symptoms gradually improve as THC levels decline over time.
Studies have demonstrated that oral THC treatment significantly reduced cannabis withdrawal symptoms as opposed to placebo treatment.
Notice Changes in Appetite
Within the first week of withdrawal from marijuana use, many people experience changes in their decreased appetite. While this is normal and should subside after several days, adequate sleep and a healthy eating plan can help manage this symptom more effectively.
Regular marijuana users often experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than light users due to having created a level of dependence. If you find yourself experiencing marijuana withdrawal, seeking the advice and assistance of a mental health professional could help facilitate a smooth recovery journey through this trying time.
Weight Loss or Gain
People experiencing marijuana withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, anger or aggression, shakiness, difficulty sleeping, anorexia, anxiety, depression, and restlessness. Similar to what would be experienced when withdrawing from other substances like alcohol and opiates. These withdrawal symptoms mirror what's seen with alcohol and opioid dependence, respectively.
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome may manifest even with regular usage. If you plan to stop, seeking professional assistance before trying it alone may help mitigate withdrawal. Symptoms usually appear within three days of beginning marijuana detox and can last several weeks before subsiding.
Conclusion
Marijuana withdrawal can present a range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that vary in intensity based on individual factors and usage habits. Professional support from healthcare providers or mental health professionals may also be beneficial in easing the process, helping individuals experience a smoother and more effective transition toward recovery and improved well-being.
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