Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Print How Long Does Withdrawal From Marijuana Last? By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on September 02, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on September 02, 2019 More in Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Cocaine Heroin Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overview Signs & Symptoms Coping & Relief Warnings View All Back To Top Cannabis (marijuana) is the most commonly used illicit drug. For many years, marijuana has been considered a soft drug, exempt from the usual concerns about addiction. However, recent research has shown that cannabis withdrawal can and does occur when heavy pot smokers discontinue its use. As a result, the diagnostic criteria for cannabis withdrawal is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5).?? Verywell /  JR Bee   Overview If you have been smoking pot heavily for at least a few monthsâ€"whether as a regular pattern, in binges, or if you have become addictedâ€"you may experience cannabis withdrawal if you abruptly stop using. A Duke University study of 496 adult  marijuana smokers  who tried to quit found that 95.5%  of them experienced at least one withdrawal symptom while 43.1% experienced more than one symptom. The number of symptoms the participants experienced was significantly linked to how often and how much the subjects smoked prior to trying to quit. Those who were daily smokers experienced the most symptoms, but even those who reported using marijuana less than once a week experienced some withdrawal symptoms of moderate intensity. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are not life-threateningâ€"their main danger is causing someone who really wants or needs to quit cannabis to relapse. You might feel extra edgy and irritable, have trouble sleeping and eating, and may even get a stomachache or headache. Some people compare it to the feeling you get when you try to quit caffeine. Although marijuana withdrawal typically lasts one to two weeks, some marijuana users experience several weeks or months of withdrawal symptoms, known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Why PAWS Can Be a Barrier to Recovery Signs Symptoms One persons experience of cannabis withdrawal might be quite different from anothers, and the severity depends on a whole host of factors, including frequency of use as well as overall health. However, there are certain common withdrawal symptoms that usually occur within 24 to 72 hours of stopping heavy use. Cravings Although many regular smokers of marijuana do not believe they are addicted to the drug, many former marijuana users report drug cravings  in the early days  of abstinence. This is a hallmark of addiction, whether its heroin, alcohol, gambling, or  sex addiction. In one study, 75.7% of participants trying to quit reported an intense craving for marijuana.?? Irritability Irritability can range from mild and relatively easy to control annoyance to excessive anger and even aggression. This is a normal reaction to withdrawing from marijuana.?? If the irritability lasts for more than a week, it is a good idea to seek support from a doctor, drug counselor, or psychologist, as the symptom may be part of another issue that your cannabis use was masking. More than half of those who try to quit marijuana report mood swings, irritability, or anxiety. Others report aggression, nervousness, restlessness, and a loss of concentration. Anxiety Anxiety can be a symptom of both cannabis intoxication and cannabis withdrawal.?? The distinctive paranoid feelings that occur when high on marijuana are well known among users, but it can be worrying when anxiety continues or worsens even after you quit. As with the irritability, it can be helpful to remember that your fears are probably a natural part of drug withdrawal. If you continue to feel anxious after a week of discontinuing cannabis, see a doctor. Cannabis use can sometimes cause substance-induced anxiety disorders, and there may have been an existing anxiety problem before you started using cannabis.?? If you experience extended paranoia, especially if you also experience hallucinations or delusions, it is very important to be properly assessed by a mental health professional, ideally with expertise in substance issues?? such as an American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)-certified physician or a psychiatrist. Depression Depression, characterized by a persistently sad mood accompanied by several other symptoms like decreased interest in daily activities and difficulty concentrating, is another possibility of cannabis withdrawal.?? Occasional depressed feelings are natural, but it is not unusual for people coming off cannabis to also become more aware of some of the negative consequences of their drug use as well as emotional states the marijuana have been masking. For example, many people who cease marijuana after using for several years can feel they have wasted a considerable part of their life. These feelings are normal and can often be used to bring about positive changes you want to make in your life. If the feelings of depression dont lift after a week or two, are impacting your functioning, or if making changes in your life seems overwhelming, seek help from your doctor or a drug counselor. As with other mood changes, depression can be substance-induced or pre-existing to your cannabis use, and it is treatable. If you are having feelings of wanting to harm yourself or anyone else, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Sleep Problems An estimated 46.9%  of former pot smokers report sleep disruption problems, including insomnia (trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep), unusually vivid or disturbing dreams, and night sweats during cannabis withdrawal.?? Insomnia symptoms after you stop using weed can last a few days or a couple of weeks. Some people find that they can experience occasional sleeplessness for a few months after quitting. Others who have quit smoking report having using dreams in which they dream they smoke marijuana. Frequent, vivid dreams typically begin about a week after quitting and can last for about a month before tapering off. Although some former users have reported having these types of dreams years after they stopped  smoking pot. Headaches Not everyone who stops smoking marijuana experiences headaches, but for those who do, the headaches can be very intense, especially during the first few days after quitting.?? Headaches,  like most other symptoms  of withdrawing  from marijuana use, will usually begin one to three days after quitting and will peak two to six days after stopping. Symptoms usually fade after two weeks, but some former smokers report continued symptoms for several weeks or even months later. Other Physical Symptoms Physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal tend to be less intense, peak sooner, and fade more quickly than the psychological symptoms associated with quitting. The frequency and  amount of marijuana used prior to stopping affects the severity and length of the withdrawals,?? which may include: Stomach painChanges in appetiteWeight loss or gainFlu-like symptoms, such as headache, sweating, shakiness and tremors, fever and chills Coping Relief Making a few healthy lifestyle changes and employing some coping strategies can help you get through this period of withdrawal: Stay physically active to help ease bodily tension.Let friends and family members know when you need support or space.Avoid situations that you find anxiety-provoking, such as loud, crowded parties.Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation.Establish sleep rituals and avoid caffeine too close to bedtime. Warnings There are no dangers in quitting marijuana cold turkey or detoxing on your own. That said, consulting a medical professional can help you better manage the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal and prevent relapse. Just as people with alcohol use disorder who are trying to quit drinking may pick up a drink to relieve the  symptoms  of alcohol withdrawal, marijuana users may be tempted to light up a joint to relieve the discomfort they experience when they try to stop smoking. One study found that 70.4% of users trying to quit smoking marijuana relapsed to relieve  the withdrawal symptoms. Long-Term Treatment In many cases, the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal will dissipate with time and can be treated without medical attention. However, if your symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks, you should see your doctor or mental health professional. Make sure you tell your doctor that marijuana withdrawal is playing a role in how you are feeling. If you just say you are depressed or anxious, you may be prescribed medication, like benzodiazepines, that can present its own set of dependence issues. Fortunately, many non-addictive pharmacologic options exist for anxiety, as well as non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).?? Resources If you have decided to quit smoking weed after regular use, chances are you will experience some kind of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how much and how often you have been smoking, these symptoms could become intense enough to drive you to relapse to find relief. But you dont have to do it on your own. Seek help from your healthcare provider to deal with the physical symptoms of withdrawal or seek help from a support group like  Marijuana Anonymous  to handle the psychological symptoms. A Word From Verywell Experiencing the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal can be unpleasant and may temporarily interfere with performance at work, school, and daily life. While withdrawing from marijuana use can present challenges, remember that what you are going through will pass. Be patient. Making life changes is always challenging, but with the right support, they can be transformative.