How to Cope With Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms

Cannabis can be addictive – and the more cannabis you consume or smoke, the stronger the addiction gets.

If you decide to cut down or stop smoking cannabis, you may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. Although this is a sign your body is recovering, it can be difficult. These symptoms can make it harder to quit cannabis for good.

So, how do you cope with cannabis withdrawal symptoms? Let’s find out – read on for some helpful advice on managing the cannabis withdrawal process.

What is a Cannabis Detox?

A cannabis detox is the process of clearing your body of the drug. When you use cannabis/ weed regularly, it builds up in your system, affecting your body and mind.

Ultimately, a cannabis detox clears it out of your system and eliminates these lingering effects. However, you may experience some unpleasant symptoms as your body adjusts to the absence of the drug. These are known as withdrawal symptoms.

Cannabis detox isn’t considered dangerous, but it’s always best to seek professional support – especially if you have a severe addiction.

Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Cope With Them

So, now you understand the basics of a cannabis detox, let’s explore some of the main symptoms you may experience after quitting cannabis…

Cravings

One of the most prominent symptoms you may experience with withdrawal from cannabis is cannabis cravings. This can make it tough to stay cannabis-free, but the good news is that they don’t last forever.

One of the best things to do is to keep busy. Keeping busy can help to distract you from the cravings – you’re far less likely to revert back to cannabis use if you’re enjoying your favourite hobbies and activities.

Trouble Sleeping

When you stop using cannabis, you may have trouble sleeping or staying asleep. The good news is that there are ways to prevent those sleepless nights:

1. Set a Sleep Routine – go to bed at the same time every night where possible, and wake up at a similar time every morning. In time, your body will recognise this routine and it will be easier to fall (and stay!) asleep.
2. Avoid Screen Time Before Bed – try to avoid watching television or going on your mobile phone or electronic devices right before bed. This is because the light can make it difficult to switch off.
3. Incorporate Calming Things into Your Routine – for example, having a relaxing bath before bed, or reading a book. This can help you feel relaxed and sleepy before bed.
4. Exercise During the Day – exercise can improve your mood and can leave you feeling sleepy when it’s time for bed.

If you experience strange dreams when withdrawing from cannabis, know that these shouldn’t last. These should subside after a week or so. Wearing an eye mask may help to alleviate this, especially if you are dealing with hypnagogic hallucinations.

Loss of Appetite

After you stop using cannabis, you may notice that food doesn’t seem as appealing, and you may not be hungry. However, it’s important that you eat nutritious foods during this time to support your body throughout the detox process.

If you are really struggling to eat big meals, try having smaller portions throughout the day. Some people also find drinking smoothies easier than chewing food.

If you begin feeling sick, be sure to get some fresh air. This nausea should pass after a week or so.

Irritability

Detoxification is not fun – not only can it take its toll on you physically, but it can impact your mood too. You may begin feeling irritable and angry. Know that this is normal, and it won’t last forever.

Speak to a loved one about how you’re feeling – this can prevent issues from building up. Be sure to take the time to do things you love, whether it be exercise, seeing friends, or even playing computer games.

Anxiety

It’s normal to feel slightly anxious when you stop taking cannabis after developing an addiction – especially if one of the reasons why you used cannabis was to relieve anxiety symptoms. However, the best approach is to find healthier ways to manage anxiety.

Seeking professional support can be helpful – therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one-to-one counselling and group therapy can help you effectively manage your anxiety.

It can also help to try meditation and breathing exercises. There are a range of free guided meditations on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube that can really help you relax.

How Long Do Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The cannabis withdrawal process can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as:

• Addiction history
• Frequency of cannabis use
• Age
• Height
• Weight
• Medical history

However, in most cases, cannabis withdrawal symptoms last between one and two weeks. Here’s what to expect:

The initial few days – symptoms may peak (e.g irritability, anxiety, insomnia)

The next week – these symptoms should gradually diminish

The next couple of weeks – some symptoms may linger such as mood changes and cravings

After a month – These symptoms should have eased and you should find it much easier to stay cannabis-free!

How Do I Stay Cannabis-Free?

Getting sober is an achievement, but staying sober is just as important. Having a solid support system in place can help you achieve and maintain your sobriety goals – simply having people around who can motivate you to avoid cannabis can make a huge difference.

If you are struggling to maintain your sobriety, we recommend rehab. Online rehab is a great option as you can do it from the comfort of your own home, whilst maintaining your daily responsibilities.

Explore our intensive online rehab today to turn over a new leaf and kickstart your new life. Our structured online treatment offers a flexible approach, giving you the support you need to overcome your cannabis addiction for good.