If you or a loved one have become addicted to marijuana, understanding the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal is important. If you stop using marijuana after using it almost every day for a minimum of several months, you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. More than 300,000 individuals enter a treatment facility every year in the United States.
What Are the Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal?
If you have been using marijuana daily for an extended period of time, you may have a marijuana misuse disorder. If your case is severe, you may have become addicted. Symptoms generally start within seven days after you have quit and can continue for two weeks.
The severity of your symptoms depends on numerous factors including your general health and frequency of use. Certain symptoms are fairly common and are experienced 24 to 72 hours after quitting including:
• Sleep issues
• Marijuana cravings
• Decrease in appetite
• Irritability
• Abdominal pain
• Restlessness
• Nausea
Cravings
If you smoke marijuana regularly, you may not be aware you are addicted. Although cravings vary for each individual, you will probably experience persistent cravings shortly after you quit. This is a symptom of classic addiction. According to a recent study, 75.7 percent of the participants experienced intense cravings when attempting to quit.
Anxiety
Anxiety is often a symptom of both marijuana withdrawal and intoxication. Feelings of paranoia are common symptoms. You may become concerned if your anxiety continues or becomes worse once you have quit. Try to remember your fear is a part of your withdrawal. If you are still feeling anxious seven days after you have quit, you should consult with a doctor.
Using marijuana can lead to an anxiety disorder. It is possible you had anxiety issues you were unaware of prior to using marijuana. If you experience extended periods of paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, you should consult with a mental health professional with experience in substance use issues.
Irritability
Irritability can be mild and fairly easy to cope with or involve aggression and excessive anger. This reaction is normal with marijuana withdrawal. If your irritability persists for more than seven days, the recommendation is to ask a doctor, psychologist or drug counselor for support.
This is because your symptoms may indicate an underlying issue you were unaware of while using marijuana. More than 50 percent of all individuals trying to quit have reported:
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Mood swings
• Loss of concentration
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
Sleep Issues
Roughly 49 percent of previous marijuana users have reported sleep issues. This includes:
• Difficulty getting to sleep or remaining asleep
• Night sweats
• Disturbing or vivid dreams
Some people have dreams where they use marijuana. Vivid dreams generally start within seven days after you have quit and may continue for a month. Some users have reported dreams several years after quitting. Your symptoms may stop in a few days or require several weeks. You may have occasional sleep issues for several months after you quit using marijuana.
Depression
The symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, issues with concentration and a decreased interest in formerly enjoyable activities. When you stop using marijuana you may become depressed when you realize there are negative consequences. You may believe you have wasted part of your life or used marijuana to cope with emotional stress. All of these feelings are normal and you can use them to make a positive difference.
If you are still experiencing symptoms of depression after a couple of weeks or you are unable to function properly, you should ask for help. Depression can be pre-existing or induced by your addiction. Either way, treatment is available.
Headaches
Some people experience intense headaches the first couple of days after quitting. Headaches caused by withdrawal usually start within three days after you have quit and generally do not persist for more than a few weeks. Some people have reported headache symptoms for several months after quitting.
Other Potential Physical Symptoms
Marijuana withdrawal has other physical symptoms that are not as intense, fade faster than psychological symptoms and occur sooner. The length and severity of your withdrawal will be impacted by the amount and frequency of marijuana you used. These symptoms can include:
• Abdominal pain
• Losing or gaining weight
• Appetite changes
• Symptoms similar to the flu including chills, fever, sweating and headaches
Final Word
Remember you are not alone and there are professionals that can help. If you are ready to get started, call our counselors now at 833-497-3812.