Quick Answer: Symptoms of withdrawal from weed may consist of distress and irritability, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, lack of appetite, depressed feelings, headaches, sweating, withdrawal chills, stomach discomfort, and cannabis cravings. Typically start within 24-48 hours of quitting or moderating frequent drug use and are most intense during the first week.
Weed withdrawal symptoms may occur in a person’s mood, sleep, appetite, and general well-being once they stop using marijuana. Frequent and/or long-term use of cannabis increases the likelihood of withdrawal. Although it is typically not fatal, symptoms may be so unpleasant that quitting is not easy.
Key Takeaways
- Weed withdrawal can involve emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms.
- There is irritability, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, vivid dreams, decreased appetite, depressed mood, headache, perspiration, and stomach discomfort.
- Common symptoms can start developing within 24-48 hours of quitting or drastically cutting back cannabis use.
- Symptoms are likely to be at their highest during the first week, with the early symptoms reaching peak levels between days 2- 6
- Symptoms get better in about 2 weeks, but some problems around sleep and mood may persist.
- Cannabis withdrawal outlines the symptoms of when someone quits using cannabis and can be a red flag for cannabis use disorder (CUD) and professionally treated.
What is marijuana withdrawal?
Marijuana withdrawal is the cessation or significant decrease in one’s ingestion of marijuana in a person who has developed a physical dependence on THC (cannabis).
Chronic use can result in brain and body adaptation to the effects of the drug THC. After the THC has been stopped, the body will want to “catch up” for a period of time. Symptoms of the adjustment may be emotional and/or physical.
So, what are symptoms of weed withdrawal? They’re the alterations your system might undergo as they reduce the amount or removes all THC. Everyone’s state of experience is unique.
Withdrawal is NOT addiction. But one side effect of cannabis use disorder can be experiencing withdrawal and continually coming back to marijuana to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
Early signs and symptoms of withdrawal from weed can involve: Some people may experience a few uncomfortable symptoms, while others may experience symptoms that impede work, relationships, attempts at sleep, or recovery.
Common symptoms include:
- Irritability or anger
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Restlessness
- Difficulty with sleep and/or naps
- Brilliant or troubling dreams
- Reduced appetite
- Depressed mood
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Chills
- Shakiness or tremors
- Discomfort or pain in the abdomen.
- Nausea
- Very powerful desires to use cannabis
Some people may not have all of the symptoms. The severity of cannabis use, the amount of THC, how often you use cannabis, consumption of other drugs, and mental and general health may influence the experience of withdrawing from cannabis.
How common are marijuana withdrawals?
Anyone who regularly uses marijuana, or is dependent on cannabis, will likely experience some degree of cannabis withdrawal. However, withdrawal effects have been reported in a significant percentage of people who smoke cannabis regularly or are dependent on it, as suggested by research.
It is also essential that when an individual has withdrawal symptoms, he is not weak or has low willpower. This means that the body has gotten used to the use of cannabis and will need time to realign.
How long does marijuana withdrawal last?
The initial symptoms appear within 24-48 hours after the last dose of, or major cutback on, cannabis. The symptoms tend to be worse in the 1st week, with early symptoms often reaching their highest levels on days 2-6.
Multiple signs and symptoms resolve in approximately 2 weeks. But, for some individuals, maybe because of heavy or prolonged use, other signs or symptoms, like sleep disturbances, temper modifications, and cravings, can persist longer.
Causes marijuana withdrawal?
Apart from the abstention or decrease of regular cannabis use, there are no single causes. Frequency and dose of cannabis use, duration of cannabis use, and/or co-occurring mental health or substance use problems may influence the severity.
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Risk factors for marijuana withdrawal
There can be several withdrawal factors that can affect the withdrawal process and outcomes, including intensifying or facilitating withdrawal.
These can include:
- Smoking marijuana every day or the majority of the time
- Long-term cannabis use
- Higher-THC products
- Cannabis that is higher in concentration.
- Previous withdrawal experiences
- Cannabis use disorder
- Of course, people use cannabis to alleviate stress, anxiety, sleep, or mood.
- Other substance use
- Other psychiatric/emotional disorders.
Someone who uses cannabis from time to time might experience low or no withdrawal. People who use high-potency products daily might get quite another result.
Hence, knowing what withdrawals are for weed without knowing what his particular habit of weed use is does not tell the whole story.
How is marijuana withdrawal diagnosed?
So there is no test taken by a doctor or an at-home test that will independently confirm cannabis withdrawal.
Your background and your history of cannabis use, when you decreased or stopped using it, what symptoms developed, and whether those symptoms are better accounted for by another medical or mental health condition are typically all factors taken into account in determining whether you have cannabis use disorder.
The most recent, fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) specifies that cannabis withdrawal includes at least three known withdrawal symptoms occurring following cessation of heavy and prolonged cannabis use and causing clinically significant distress or impairment.
If you are on alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or another drug, withdrawal of certain substances can be medically risky, so it is very important for a professional evaluation to be undertaken.
Treatment for marijuana withdrawal
Cannabis withdrawal may be treatable with supportive care, counseling, healthy habits, and professional help. There are no FDA-approved medications at this time that are specific for treating withdrawal from cannabis.
Treatment can be targeted towards:
- Managing cravings
- Improving sleep
- Relieving anxiety and irritability
- Creating healthy coping skills
- Identifying triggers
- Addressing mental health issues that are co-occurring
- Preventing relapse
- Treating cannabis use disorders
Supporting recovery from cannabis use disorder may be achieved by using evidence-based behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management.
The withdrawal is nothing that you’ve to take care of by yourself. However, when marijuana use is growing hard to control, or you make numerous attempts to quit and go back to using it regularly, professional support can help ensure that the process is a bit smoother.
Contact Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions to discover more about all of the options available for treatment and recovery support.
Can I prevent marijuana withdrawal?
So the only guarantee to avoiding marijuana withdrawal is the complete elimination of cannabis dependence during the beginning stages. A person who is already using marijuana regularly may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to decrease the amount of marijuana s/he uses or stop using marijuana altogether.
A little planning can help to ease the process. Even if you are worried about mental health problems, use several drugs, or have had trouble with drug withdrawal in the past, talk to a health care provider before you quit.
It can also be used to set up a support network, avoid subjects and places where cannabis can be accessed, go to bed and meals at regular times, drink plenty of liquids, and to recognize triggering situations.
Talking to others for professional assistance is not a failure if withdrawals are overwhelming.
Treatment for addiction at Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions
Those seeking assistance with marijuana use and other drug abuse concerns can be helped at Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions, that are specific to the individual’s requirements.
Recovery isn’t a mere end to a drug. It’s also about the why, what triggers, how to learn new coping methods and how to develop skills for long-term recovery.
If you are struggling to reduce your use of cannabis or if you have developed frequent cravings for cannabis use or if cannabis is interfering with your life, it’s time to speak with a cannabis addiction treatment specialist.
When should you seek professional help?
Knowing the marijuana withdrawal symptoms can tell you what may be taking place when you discontinue using marijuana. But withdrawal can show anxiety, depression, sleeping difficulties, different medical sicknesses, or withdrawal from another substance.
If you experience serious symptoms, or if you’ve tried to quit using marijuana but are unable to; if marijuana affects your school, work or relationships; or if you know your usage is destroying your finances or mental health, then seek professional assistance.
If you see other severe symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, confusion, hallucinations, dehydration, chest pain, etc., and think that these may be withdrawal, ask for urgent medical help.
First and foremost, recovery is not only a matter of willpower. Craving is a thing that could be managed, and with the proper support, people may learn how to work with craving, what triggers this craving, what the issues are, and how they can develop a lifestyle free of cannabis dependence.
Even if you’re struggling with marijuana use, Florida Atlantic Coast Treatment Solutions is here to assist! Call the professionals today and discover what you can do about your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest day of quitting weed?
For many people, withdrawal feels strongest between days two and six after stopping cannabis. However, there is no single hardest day for everyone. Withdrawal severity depends on use patterns, THC exposure, health, and individual differences.
What are the main withdrawal symptoms?
The main symptoms include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, sleep problems, vivid dreams, depressed mood, reduced appetite, headaches, sweating, chills, stomach discomfort, shakiness, and cannabis cravings. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.
Does weed withdrawal come in waves?
Yes. Withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate rather than remain constant. Sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, and cravings may become stronger at certain times and then ease. Triggers, stress, sleep quality, and individual recovery patterns can influence these changes.
Why am I so hot after quitting weed?
Feeling unusually hot or sweating after stopping cannabis can occur during withdrawal. Sweating is a recognized physical symptom. However, a high fever or severe symptoms should not automatically be blamed on withdrawal and may require medical evaluation.
Is it better to quit weed cold turkey?
There is no single best approach for everyone. Some people stop suddenly, while others benefit from a planned reduction under professional guidance. Your cannabis use pattern, health, mental health, and other substances should be considered when choosing an approach.
What happens 72 hours after quitting weed?
Around 72 hours after quitting, some people experience stronger irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, appetite changes, restlessness, sweating, headaches, or cravings. Withdrawal often reaches a more intense period during the first week, but experiences vary.
What are the 5 stages of withdrawal?
Cannabis withdrawal does not have five universally accepted clinical stages. Instead, symptoms generally begin within one or two days, become strongest during the early withdrawal period, and gradually improve over the following days or weeks.
What foods help ease withdrawal?
There is no specific food that cures cannabis withdrawal. Regular balanced meals, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and adequate fluids can support overall health. Small, easy-to-eat meals may help when appetite is temporarily low.
What addiction is the hardest to quit?
There is no single addiction that is hardest for everyone. Withdrawal and recovery vary by substance and person. Opioids, alcohol, nicotine, stimulants, and other substances can all create significant challenges, while personal circumstances strongly affect recovery.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Cannabis withdrawal can vary significantly from person to person. If you have severe symptoms, a medical condition, mental health concerns, or use multiple substances, consult an appropriate healthcare professional for individualized guidance.
