Cannabis Detox:
Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline and Methods
Cannabis, widely recognised as one of the most extensively misused substances within the UK, carries with it numerous misconceptions regarding its potential harm. Also known as ‘marijuana’ or ‘weed’, this drug, originating from the cannabis plant, possesses addictive qualities. Over time, individuals find themselves needing increasingly larger doses to experience the same level of euphoria, as their brain becomes accustomed to the drug’s chemical composition.
If you’re thinking about starting a cannabis detox, you might be concerned about facing withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or irritability. It’s important to stress that these reactions are typical and manageable.
Despite the discomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms, they are a temporary obstacle towards achieving better health. Here we aim to cover everything you need to know about the detox from cannabis, including the mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal, effective ways to manage these symptoms, and how attending a cannabis rehabilitation treatment programme can provide essential support for a successful, long-term recovery.
The attempt to quit cannabis can be unexpectedly difficult, more so when undertaken alone. The physical discomfort and strong cravings during withdrawal can be intense. However, with the guidance of medical professionals during detox and continuous support thereafter, it’s possible to cleanse the system of the substance and mentally gear up for the recovery phase.
The duration of detoxification can vary, spanning from several days to a couple of weeks. It’s crucial not to lose hope if immediate changes aren’t noticeable. At AddictionRehab, we pledge to provide the necessary encouragement and resources for a successful detox, continuing to support you on your journey towards recovery.
What is a Cannabis Detox?
A cannabis detox begins when someone decides to stop using cannabis, leading to the body’s effort to clear out the left-over substances. During this period, individuals might notice different signs of withdrawal, both mentally and physically. This is because the body and mind have to readjust to not having the drug around, which they had become used to.
How long a detox from cannabis takes can vary based on several things, like how long someone has been using it, how much they’ve been taking, and if they need to reduce their use slowly. For some people, this period might be quite brief, only a few days. But for others, particularly those who have been heavy users, it might take a bit longer. This extended time is often because THC, the compound in cannabis that affects your mind, can stay in the body for several days after the last use, possibly extending the period of withdrawal effects.
Detoxing is a key step in breaking free from the physical need for cannabis. It offers a chance for individuals to regain their well-being without depending on the drug. However, this isn’t a quick process, the body requires time to adjust as it eliminates the toxins during the detox phase.
Detox is just one part of getting better from addiction. Dealing with the mental side of being addicted is crucial for long-term recovery. Being addicted to cannabis can mess with the brain’s normal chemical balance and might lead to mental health problems.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawing from cannabis isn’t typically dangerous, but it can lead to uncomfortable experiences, with a variety of psychological symptoms possibly showing up. In certain extreme situations, some individuals have harmed themselves or taken their lives due to the stress caused by cannabis withdrawal. Therefore, it’s strongly advised to undergo detoxification under the supervision of healthcare professionals, who may provide different medications to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms.
The process of withdrawal varies greatly from person to person. During detox, you may experience several symptoms associated with withdrawing from cannabis, including:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Trouble focusing
- Sleeplessness
- Head pain
- Shaking
- Excessive sweating and feeling cold
- Changes in eating habits
In most instances, these symptoms begin to improve after a few days as your body adjusts to a lack of cannabis.
Withdrawal from cannabis doesn’t typically involve serious physical symptoms or present direct health risks, but some individuals might experience an extremely difficult period of dysphoria. This condition, characterised by severe depression and negative thoughts, can in some cases lead to thoughts of suicide or attempts, and may also cause someone to start using cannabis again.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms can differ significantly from person to person, affected by various factors like age, health status, how much cannabis was used, and the duration of usage.
Your withdrawal journey is personal to you, influenced by your health status, mental well-being, how long you’ve been addicted, the amount used, genetics, and other personal factors. Though not usually dangerous, undergoing detox in a professional setting offers the medical oversight and comfort you need. This approach also helps protect against the temptation to use cannabis again during withdrawal, a common issue when trying to cope with symptoms on your own.
How Long Do Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Individuals stepping towards recovery should indeed be proud of their decision, acknowledging that patience is key throughout this phase. Everyone’s reaction to stopping cannabis varies. Hence, our team at AddictionRehab is dedicated to creating a personalised treatment process for you.
Typically, the initial hours up to a few days might be the most challenging during the detox from cannabis, as this is when withdrawal symptoms are most intense. After several days, these symptoms start to lessen, though psychological symptoms (such as cravings and feelings of depression) might persist.
For individuals with only a brief history of cannabis use, the withdrawal phase may be mild and short-lived, potentially lasting just a couple of days. Yet, for those who have used cannabis extensively or in combination with other substances, the process of detoxifying could prove to be more demanding.
The process of detoxification is deeply unique, yet the most important aspect is moving towards a life free from drugs. For a better insight, here is a typical timeline for detoxing from cannabis:
- 1-3 Days
This is when you’ll start to notice withdrawal symptoms. By the third day of detox, these symptoms reach their peak. You might experience stomach discomfort and, in some instances, vomiting, along with increased sweating. A feeling of restlessness and a strong desire to use cannabis again are common. This phase is particularly prone to relapse, underlining the importance of seeking support from professional addiction treatment services. - 7-10 Days
In the early stages, the challenge of withdrawal from marijuana hits its highest point. By the fourth day of detox from cannabis, many of the physical symptoms start to lessen, but for a lot of people, the mental side effects become more intense. Feeling depressed is quite usual during this phase, as the body adjusts to operating without THC. This often continues through the first week of detox. - 10-20 Days
As this period progresses, the symptoms of withdrawal from weed begin to ease. By the end of the second week, most individuals feel more balanced and strong, though continuing with treatment is still an essential part of the process.In general, the body clears the drug completely within 30 days. This doesn’t mean, however, that someone will experience the effects of marijuana withdrawal for that entire time. Usually, the discomfort from withdrawal symptoms of weed lasts for about three weeks, sometimes slightly shorter.
It’s important to understand that the outlined timeline should not be seen as a fixed schedule for everyone’s detoxification from cannabis. Rather, it should serve as a guide to better comprehend the detox process. The recovery period differs greatly among individuals, heavily influenced by each person’s unique circumstances and biological differences. Recovery is not a competition, it is important to remain patient and take pride in your efforts towards improvement.
Experiencing setbacks is a normal part of the recovery journey. Don’t be discouraged. You might need more than one attempt at detox from cannabis to achieve and keep recovery. This is often the case if your first detox attempt was done at home without the support of healthcare professionals.
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Methods to Detox from Cannabis
Detox from cannabis can take the from of either a home-detox or inpatient medically supervised detox which is the safest option.
Home detox
Detoxing from cannabis on your own is generally safe for most people, but it might not always lead to success. The advantages of professional detox facilities include comprehensive support and resources, which make the process easier and increase the likelihood of quitting cannabis for good. Individuals detoxing at home often lack a detailed, long-term plan to avoid cannabis use in the future, leading to a higher chance of returning to it, especially if the initial reasons for usage aren’t addressed.
In the UK, the NHS offers drug assistance services in almost every county, providing cannabis detoxification at no charge for those living in the area. These services are mainly on an outpatient basis, requiring individuals to visit a clinic for treatment and then return back home.
The dos and don’ts of a marijuana home detox
If you’re considering a detox from cannabis at home, following these suggestions could help make the process more bearable and increase your chances of success:
Stay hydrated
It’s important to drink enough water while avoiding drinks high in sugar or caffeine. Staying hydrated helps your body detox more effectively.
Eat healthy foods
Stay away from processed and sugary foods as they can make you feel worse during detox. Choosing nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole foods supports your body in adjusting to not having cannabis.
Exercise daily
Regular physical activity can improve your mood and increase endorphins, which is particularly helpful during this challenging time for your body and mind. Exercise can also help manage some of the mood-related withdrawal symptoms.
Fill your time
Having too much free time can become a significant challenge during detox. When your mind isn’t occupied, it can worsen cravings and increase the chance of relapsing. Keeping yourself busy with activities can help ease some of the mental struggles of detox.
Take plenty of rest
Detoxification can exert considerable pressure on your body, leading to fatigue and overall exhaustion. Hence, it’s critical to ensure you obtain adequate rest and sleep.
Be kind to yourself
It’s normal to experience a variety of emotions during this time. Permit yourself to process these feelings and recognise your effort in moving away from a habit that no longer serves you well.
Seek support
Trying to detox on your own can be tempting, especially if you’re embarrassed about your usage. Nonetheless, receiving assistance and support from someone you trust can significantly influence your detox journey.
At home detox challenges
Choosing to detox at home comes with several challenges that you wouldn’t face in a professional detox centre. At AddictionRehab, we provide inpatient treatment with around-the-clock care from trained medical staff to ensure your detox is as safe, secure, and successful as possible. If inpatient treatment isn’t an option for you, we also offer outpatient services as an alternative.
Considerations for home detox
Before deciding on a home detox, it’s important to think about the following points:
- You won’t have access to therapy or psychological support, which can make the process of quitting cannabis more difficult
- Without medical supervision, there’s a higher risk of facing complications if your condition isn’t properly monitored
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms can be tough, and being in a home setting might increase the chance of going back to using cannabis
Inpatient detox
Inpatient detoxification is widely regarded as the safest way to withdraw from cannabis. Patients are under constant medical care, ensuring their health is closely watched as they remove the drug from their system.
This method is also more effective in helping individuals recover, as it addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of cannabis dependency. Usually, after finishing a detox programme and being ready for the next step, patients start a comprehensive cannabis treatment plan. This includes various treatments aimed at the root causes of their addiction, helping them avoid going back to cannabis use.
Cannabis Withdrawal Medications
At present, no specific drugs are officially approved to directly address cannabis withdrawal. However, within a treatment programme aimed at managing withdrawal, healthcare professionals might use a variety of medicines to ease symptoms like headaches and insomnia, ensuring the individual remains as comfortable as possible during the initial recovery phase.
Doctors might sometimes suggest certain pharmaceuticals to support you through your detox process. Depending on the symptoms you experience as you withdraw from cannabis, different medications can be prescribed to relieve these symptoms, helping you concentrate on your detox. Commonly used medications include:
- Anti-depressants
It’s common for individuals going through withdrawal to feel depressed. In such cases, a doctor might prescribe antidepressants, such as sertraline, to help alleviate these feelings. - Anti-anxiety medications
Anxiety levels can increase during withdrawal. To manage this, a doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine. Caution is advised with these medications due to their potential for addiction. - Sleep aids
Disruptions in sleep patterns and insomnia are often reported by those stopping cannabis use. Products available without a prescription, like melatonin, may be recommended to help you regulate your sleep. Your doctor will determine the best approach for you. - Secondary symptom assistance
To ensure you’re as comfortable as possible, your healthcare team might offer medicines for nausea, headache, and muscle pains that often accompany withdrawal. - Medications for other substance addictions
It’s not rare for those with a cannabis dependency to also be dealing with other substance dependencies. This situation requires a careful adjustment of treatment medications. For example, if you’re also dealing with alcohol dependency, your doctor may prescribe disulfiram. This medication acts more as a preventive measure, helping you stay on track with your recovery.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
The Benefits of Medical Detox for Cannabis
Although the experience of stopping cannabis and going through withdrawal isn’t as severe or immediately life-threatening as it can be with alcohol or opioids, the process of quitting cannabis and dealing with withdrawal can be quite uncomfortable. In more serious cases, cannabis withdrawal can lead to mental health issues, including feelings of dysphoria or depression.
Having a secure environment for cannabis detox, where medical professionals can monitor and manage symptoms, is crucial for safely getting through the detox phase of recovery. Even though some individuals may relapse at any point in their recovery journey, having healthcare professionals available to quickly address such issues is key to helping someone on the path to recovery stay on course.
The process of medical withdrawal management is built on three fundamental components designed to organically benefit patients and ensure a secure and effective withdrawal journey.
These components are:
Evaluation
The detoxification process begins with a detailed evaluation by the detox provider, focusing on the patient’s current health condition, their support system, and identifying the most fitting post-detox interventions.
Stabilisation
The aim of withdrawal management is to assist patients in reaching a state of sobriety and medical stability, setting the stage for a smoother recovery process.
Fostering a patient’s entry into treatment
Withdrawal management should also prepare individuals for the next steps in their treatment, focusing on the psychological, social, and behavioural issues related to their substance use.
Why trust AddictionRehab with your detox?
Choosing AddictionRehab for your cannabis detoxification ensures a process that’s both secure and exceptionally comfortable. Here are the advantages of detoxing with us:
- Professionally supervised 24/7 care
With continuous 24/7 monitoring and customised treatment schedules, our broad detox and treatment programmes ensure you are both safe and comfortable.
- Your comfort is our priority
With continuous monitoring and customised treatment schedules, our broad detox and treatment programmes ensure you are both safe and comfortable at all times.
- A holistic approach to restoring the whole of you
We adopt a holistic approach in our centres, treating not just the symptoms but the whole individual: mentally, physically, and spiritually. This method has proven to ensure a comprehensive recovery, promoting overall health for our clients.
- High quality nutrition
Our private centres provide nutritionally rich meals prepared by expert chefs, using high-quality ingredients. This is to ensure you regain your physical strength during the detox period.
- Workshops designed to keep you focussed
We offer various workshops and activities designed to keep you engaged and motivated while you are detoxing from cannabis.
- Compassion from staff who have been exactly where you are
A significant number of our staff members have their own recovery stories, giving them a deep understanding and empathy towards our clients. This personal insight means you receive compassionate and unwavering support during your detox.
- Aftercare to support your recovery for life
Our aftercare services mean that the support you find with us continues beyond your stay. You will become part of a supportive community, available to you for life, offering help and advice whenever you need it.
The Long Term Benefits of Detoxing from Cannabis
After completing a detox from cannabis, the path towards a healthier lifestyle becomes much smoother. Removing cannabis from your system significantly improves your ability to concentrate on what you wish to achieve in life.
Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:
- Better mental well-being
- Better physical health
- Better relationships
- Better performance at work or school
The process of detoxing and overcoming withdrawal symptoms represents just the beginning of a journey towards a life free from the influence of cannabis. Deciding to stop and enduring through the detox phase lays down a firm foundation for achievement in whatever you set out to do.
The strength and skills gained from this experience will positively impact all areas of your life, enabling you to tackle future challenges with greater confidence.
Your Next Steps
Regardless of your current stage in your experience with cannabis, it’s always a fitting time to think about recovery. Our team at AddictionRehab is thoroughly experienced in all aspects of addiction support. While the decision to begin the journey towards well-being is yours to make, we are here to provide support and guidance on how to effectively proceed with the detox process, ensuring you have the necessary support at every step.
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