Now that marijuana is legal in many U.S. states, some people may have the impression that the drug is entirely safe to use. While it may not be as potent as drugs like heroin or cocaine, marijuana has a potential for addiction and can instigate adverse side effects, such as weed withdrawal symptoms. What are the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, what can you do to manage them, and how can you overcome marijuana addiction?
If you think you or someone close to you may be addicted to marijuana, reach out to Promises Right Step Hill Country at 1.844.675.1628. Our caring and knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and explain how our addiction treatment programs can help.
What Are the Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal?
Although marijuana has long been used recreationally for relaxation, it is now legal in many areas and even prescribed to address medical or mental health conditions. Marijuana has also shown some benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
However, despite its medical approval for specific purposes, marijuana has the potential to cause addiction, just like many other prescription medications. How do you know if you or someone else is addicted to marijuana? One telltale sign is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back on or quit marijuana. Some weed withdrawal symptoms you may notice are:
- Cravings for marijuana
- Irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Upset stomach
- Chills
- Inability to concentrate
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms will vary in intensity depending on how long you have used marijuana and how much you use.
How to Manage Weed Withdrawal Symptoms
If your withdrawal symptoms are mild, you may be able to manage them on your own without medical intervention. Try the following steps to help get withdrawal symptoms under control so you can reduce your consumption or quit, depending on your goals.
Taper Your Dose
One method of minimizing weed withdrawal symptoms is to wean yourself off the substance slowly. This method is used at some addiction treatment centers, but you can do this on your own as long as your symptoms are mild. Tapering your dose involves gradually using smaller and smaller amounts of marijuana.
The goal with tapering is to slowly get your body used to smaller doses without the shock to your system you may experience if you quit cold turkey. This should result in minimal withdrawal symptoms until you eventually wean yourself off the drug entirely.
Engage in Daily Physical Activity
Irritability, depression, and anxiety can be a result of marijuana withdrawal due to an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters responsible for positive mood. Exercise is one healthy way to elevate your mood, helping offset the imbalance until you get through withdrawal and your brain becomes more efficient at producing these feel-good hormones on its own again.
Practice Stress Reduction Techniques
Since many people use marijuana for its relaxing effects, learning healthier ways to soothe your central nervous system can help ease withdrawal symptoms. It also provides you with long-term coping strategies when you encounter future stress. Different techniques work better for different people, so try a few to see which you enjoy most. Some helpful options are breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and even spending time in nature.
Overcoming Marijuana Addiction
If you are dealing with a moderate to severe marijuana addiction and you have attempted to quit on your own without success, you may need professional help. Enrolling in an addiction treatment program gives you the advantage of:
- Therapy to address stress, anxiety, and other contributors to marijuana addiction
- Medications to manage insomnia and anxiety disorders
- Group support from others in recovery
- Guidance and supervision from a team of professionals with experience in marijuana addiction
In addition to professional addiction treatment, you should seek the support of those close to you. Talk to trusted friends or family members about your struggles and ask them to help you stay on track for recovery.
Start Recovery from Marijuana Addiction at Promises Right Step Hill Country
Marijuana might seem fairly harmless, especially in comparison to potent opioid or stimulant drugs, but it can result in addiction. If you notice withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using marijuana, call Promises Right Step Hill Country at 1.844.675.1628.