Guide to weed withdrawal: Symptoms & treatment
While it is claimed that it has therapeutic benefits, many users may still encounter withdrawal symptoms if they use sheer willpower when they attempt to quit or cut back.
Cannabis /weed withdrawal, although not as widely discussed as withdrawal from other substances, is a phenomenon that some individuals experience when they abruptly cease or reduce their cannabis consumption but it is not nearly as bad as people fear – if you go about doing it with the right frame of mind.
While it is claimed that cannabis has therapeutic benefits many people seek assistance in the event that they want to quit or cut back without wanting to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding these symptoms and knowing how to cope with them is essential for those looking to reduce or eradicate their cannabis consumption.
Signs of weed withdrawal
Weed withdrawal can manifest in various physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. People who experience them indicate that common signs of cannabis withdrawal include:
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Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
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Irritability and mood swings
Feeling easily frustrated, anxious, or moody.
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Decreased appetite
Loss of interest in food or changes in eating patterns.
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Cravings
Strong urges or desires to use cannabis.
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Headaches
Persistent headaches or migraines.
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Fatigue
Low energy levels and feelings of tiredness.
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Digestive issues
Nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhoea.
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Depression & anxiety
Coping with weed withdrawal symptoms
Many believe that cannabis withdrawal is difficult and unpleasant, and this belief alone creates a tremendous fear of quitting drugs, but weed withdrawal is not nearly as bad as people fear.
The reality is that cannabis users go into withdrawal whenever they finish smoking weed and barely notice it. There is no actual pain or real discomfort due to physical withdrawal from the drug itself. It’s great news, we are never badly addicted to the chemical itself.
The fact is that the really unpleasant aspects of withdrawal are not caused by the cannabis itself but because the person taking it believes that cannabis is a crutch and a pleasure. This belief creates a feeling of discomfort, like a yearning, when they try to quit using willpower. The addict believes that they need to resist the temptation to use weed for the rest of their lives.
And if the person gives in to their craving, the feeling of discomfort and yearning start to subside with the first smoke. In fact they don’t even have to wait for the first puff: the discomfort starts to subside the moment they decide to have some. Weed withdrawal doesn’t disappear when the person takes it; it disappears when they make the decision to take it.
It’s the addict’s mind that craves the drug, not their body. The belief that the drug provides some kind of pleasure or crutch is an illusion based on flawed information established as a result of their experiences as an addict. Understanding how our experiences as addicts creates a fake, flawed belief system that keeps us addicted is the key to getting free from weed addiction.
Read more about are there terrible withdrawal pangs from taking drugs?
If someone ever feels in severe discomfort as a result of quitting weed – they should seek medical assistance immediately.
Here are some general strategies to help manage any discomfort but remember that most of what people mistake for physical withdrawal is in fact caused by the physical reaction to their mental process (of wanting something but not being allowed to have it). It is extremely rare for anyone to actually suffer purely as a result of physical withdrawal and simply changing the way you think about the drug is much easier than following the kind of advice listed below:
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Stay hydrated and nourished
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals to support your body during the withdrawal process.
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Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity to boost your mood and alleviate stress.
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Decreased appetite
Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experience. Joining support groups or online forums can also provide encouragement and understanding.
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Practice relaxation techniques
Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
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Distraction
Keep yourself occupied with hobbies, activities, or tasks to distract from cravings and negative thoughts.
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Professional help
Consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist if you’re struggling to manage withdrawal symptoms on your own.
How long do weed withdrawal symptoms last?
You go into withdrawal whenever you finish smoking weed. It is an illusion that there is physical withdrawal pain from the drug itself. We are never badly addicted to the chemical itself.
The fact is that the really unpleasant aspects of withdrawal are not caused by the cannabis itself but because the person taking it believes that the cannabis is a crutch and a pleasure. This belief creates a feeling of discomfort, like a yearning, when they try to quit using willpower. The addict believes that they must resist the temptation to use weed for the rest of their lives.
If the wrong method of quitting is used then the duration and intensity of the unpleasant aspects of weed withdrawal can vary. Rather than it depending on factors such as frequency and duration of cannabis use, individual physiology, and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions – it depends largely on the addict’s attitude towards the drug, what they think it does for them, and how they feel about not taking it anymore.
In general, those who claim to experience them report that most withdrawal symptoms peak within the first week of abstinence and gradually diminish over the following weeks.
However, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms for several weeks or even months.
In the event that you feel you have severe withdrawal symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately.
How common is cannabis withdrawal?
The reality is that cannabis users go into withdrawal whenever they finish smoking weed
One study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that approximately 47% of daily cannabis users experienced withdrawal symptoms when they stopped using.
The reason for this is that the really unpleasant aspects of withdrawal are not caused by the cannabis itself but because the person taking it believes the cannabis is a crutch and a pleasure that they must resist for the rest of their lives. When they attempt to quit cannabis that belief creates a craving or yearning for the drug – which in turn causes discomfort. To be truly free you need the right method.
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Can CBD cause withdrawal symptoms?
CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, is generally not associated with withdrawal symptoms when used alone.
However, CBD products that contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, may carry a risk of withdrawal if used regularly and then discontinued abruptly.
It’s essential to carefully read product labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about CBD withdrawal
Getting support for withdrawal symptoms
Finding support during the weed withdrawal process can significantly improve your chances of successfully managing symptoms and maintaining abstinence. Various resources and programs are available to assist individuals on their journey toward recovery.
The best method is Allen Carr’s Easyway to quit cannabis. Easyway is a method which has helped many millions of people to freedom. All it takes is a one day seminar to change your understanding of your addiction – which will enable you to become free from the drug – without any unpleasant symptoms.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, weed withdrawal can appear to be a real and challenging experience for some individuals looking to reduce or quit their cannabis use. But by using a method that helps to correct the way you think about the drug and therefore how you think about quitting the drug – something that appeared to be so challenging can not only be easy – but enjoyable too.
By recognizing the signs of withdrawal, understanding what really causes them, and implementing coping strategies, it’s possible to navigate this process successfully and move towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
However, although for some it seems to be a challenging and unpleasant condition, for most people withdrawal is mild and, if you quit with the right method, it becomes easy – so read more about Allen Carr’s Easyway to quit cannabis.
