Help for Marijuana Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms from withdrawal can be challenging for any person with dependence on marijuana. Symptoms are similar in severity to nicotine withdrawal. Learn what to expect during withdrawal from marijuana and how to seek support through the process.
Dangers of Withdrawal
Marijuana withdrawal has the least serious consequences with a relatively mild set of physical and psychological symptoms. Most begin during the first week of abstinence from the drug and resolve within a few weeks. Approximately half of individuals in treatment for addiction to marijuana report symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. The main symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Decreased appetite
- Depressed mood
- Disturbed sleep
- Gastro-intestinal symptoms
- Irritability
- Restlessness
Help for Withdrawal
Preparation for marijuana withdrawal symptoms focus on more than simply addressing physical symptoms. People who want to quit marijuana need to dive into understanding psychological and emotional reasons for using marijuana to cope with life, stress or anxiety. Multiple treatments may be needed to support a person in quitting marijuana, otherwise relapse may occur. Effective treatment of marijuana use may involve some of the following:
- Behavioral treatments
- Contingency management
- Family based treatments
- Group or individual cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational enhancement therapy
Natural Support for Withdrawal
Some of the more mild detox symptoms have some home remedies which can be help, along with traditional therapeutic remedies such as counseling and behavioral support. Some of the following natural home remedies include:
- Drinking cranberry juice to cleanse body
- Drink water or clear fluids
- Eliminate fat from the diet until digestion is better
- Exercise to help stave off depression and other unpleasant symptoms
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine to support better sleeping patterns
- Take hot soaking baths to support positive emotional and physical symptoms
- Eating potassium rich foods to replace what’s lost from excessive sweating (melons, bananas, citrus fruits, green leafy veggies and tomates)
- Old fashioned remedies for insomnia such as drinking warm milk before bed
People in withdrawal from marijuana may increase melatonin to support better sleep patterns. Marijuana deepens overall sleep but inhibits the brain’s ability to enter light REM or dreaming sleep. To enhance better sleeping patterns, individuals can consider putting away electronic tablets, phones or other devices which disrupt sleep. Creating a dark space helps the brain switch on melatonin production. If a problem still exists, melatonin supplements can help a person get to sleep.
Easing withdrawal symptoms from marijuana begins with understanding what the body needs to support a positive experience. The body naturally wants to regain balance which is why withdrawal is so challenging. The mind and body are working to reset themselves following an imbalance from the presence of marijuana. It is possible to recover from marijuana withdrawal and focus on a long, healthy recovery without drugs.
Hired Power provides support for individuals who quit marijuana and need resources or tools in recovery. Contact us to find out how we can help you learn better ways of coping with drug addiction and withdrawal.