Many people think of marijuana or weed as a harmless drug. After all, states around the country are starting to make the drug legal for both medical and recreation purposes. In only a few years, marijuana went from being legal nowhere to nearly half the states in the country. As it becomes legal in more and more states, it’s tempting to regard weed as perfectly safe and not something that can do harm. Remember that being legal doesn’t make it safe. Alcohol is a legal drug but it still causes terrible withdrawal symptoms. If weed also causes withdrawal, then what is the marijuana withdrawal timeline?
Do you need to know more about a marijuana detox program? Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
Does Marijuana Cause Withdrawal?
Despite popular belief, marijuana causes withdrawal symptoms. When someone stops using marijuana, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include cravings, anxiety and irritability, depression, restlessness or agitation, insomnia or nightmares, decreased appetite, and physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches. In addition to these physical and psychological symptoms of weed withdrawal, users may also experience cognitive changes like attention difficulties and memory deficits.
Experts say that the potential for addiction and withdrawal is strong in teens and those who abuse other drugs. Unfortunately, there are few legitimate studies about the addictive nature of weed. One reason is that federal restrictions on the drug make it hard for researchers to test it.
However, what experts do know is that, unlike drugs such as alcohol, THC ends up in fat cells. Because of that, it takes the body a lot longer to get rid of THC than it does with other drugs. Furthermore, THC can still show up in the body after a couple of months. On the other hand, the body can filter out water-soluble drugs in just days or weeks. Although more research is needed to further understand the nature of weed addiction and withdrawals, it’s clear that issues exist and should be taken seriously.
Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline
Despite the few studies on the effects of marijuana withdrawal, experts have put together a general timeline. The marijuana withdrawal symptoms that people experience differ depending on each phase.
The first signs of withdrawal typically start within the first 24 hours after the body processes the last THC molecules. The brain begins to rely on the THC. When it doesn’t get the next dose, it experiences a disruption in the chemical balance.
During this time, people experience many side effects. They’re non-life threatening but can cause some discomfort. The most common ones include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Lack of focus
- Irritability
- Moodiness
Over the next couple of days, people start to experience more physical symptoms. During days two and three of the marijuana withdrawal timeline, people experience headaches and sweating. They have strong cravings for the drug as well.
The next stage of the timeline may start on day four. Sometimes it takes up to 14 days before people reach this part of the withdrawal timeline. When they do, they still have intense cravings and can develop depression.
After day 15 with no weed, people’s symptoms begin to lessen. However, they’ll continue to experience some side effects such as coughing, insomnia, and anxiety.
We Can Help You Overcome Marijuana Withdrawal
At Crestview Recovery, we know how addictive weed is. We also know that the withdrawal symptoms are hard to handle. That’s why we provide the tools that you need to overcome marijuana addiction and prevent relapse. Some of the programs and services that we have include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Trauma therapy
- Gender-specific rehab
- Holistic treatment
- Group and individual therapies
Don’t let false information about weed keep you from seeking help. Learn more about the marijuana withdrawal timeline. Reach out to our compassionate and knowledgeable staff members today at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
