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What Is Marijuana Withdrawal?

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Despite its reputation as being a “harmless drug,” it is important to help individuals stop using marijuana. Marijuana affects brain development and leads to long-term health issues. When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may impair thinking, memory and learning functions. It also affects how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions.1 Clearly, marijuana is not harmless.

While some people may debate whether or not marijuana is truly an addictive drug, many individuals face withdrawal symptoms after they stop using marijuana after a prolonged period. Some people having marijuana withdrawal might not realize it. Some of the symptoms just contribute to being in a lousy mood, and it’s often easy to blame that feeling on other people annoying you or just having a bad day.2

Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal

The withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping marijuana use are similar to those experienced by individuals who stop using tobacco. The symptoms are rarely life-threatening, but they are enough of deterrence to where they keep individuals from giving up marijuana for good.

Among the most common withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana use are:

  • Extreme Irritability. When the marijuana user does not use the drug, he may experience extreme irritability which may be taken out on friends and loved ones.
  • Anxiety. Users may become anxious or paranoid.
  • Physical tension. Withdrawal from marijuana often manifests itself as a serious tension of the joints and also as headaches.
  • Decreases in appetite. When an individual stops smoking marijuana, they may experience a drastic loss of appetite.
  • Stomach pain. Stomach cramps and other aches are common among those going through marijuana withdrawal.
  • Restless Limbs. Restless legs, arms and body are all a part of going through the withdrawal process from marijuana. Also, an individual may experience a difficulty sleeping.
  • Eating issues. This symptom is not very common, but a lack of appetite brought on by withdrawal can lead to this eating disorder.

Most withdrawal symptoms develop within the first 24 to 72 hours and peak within the first week. Withdrawal lasts approximately one to two weeks.3 During the first days of marijuana withdrawal, the symptoms are the most intense. It is during this time that an individual is most likely to relapse.

It is important to get help if you wish to stop using marijuana. Medical professionals will be able to help you get through the withdrawal symptoms and move on to a cleaner life, free of drugs. Michael’s House is known all over the world for its innovative treatment. We help people with addiction issues related to marijuana and other drugs every day. Let us help you too. Call 760.548.4032 today so you can live a life without drug addiction.

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Sources

1 "Marijuana.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, August 2017. Accessed 7 September 2017.

2Marijuana Withdrawal Is Real." NIDA for Teens, 2 April 2015. Accessed 7 September 2017.

3 “Cannabis (Marijuana) Withdrawal." Psych Central, 9 August 2017. Accessed 7 September 2017.

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