Marijuana, whose active component is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), can cause withdrawal symptoms when its use is discontinued after a prolonged period of use.
How to quit marijuana? THC addiction and withdrawal syndrome
When marijuana use is stopped and the body stops receiving the amounts of THC to which it used to be accustomed, a series of changes in the body are initiated, manifested by symptoms of various kinds.
¿Cuánto tiempo dura la abstinencia a la marihuana?
¿Por qué se produce el síndrome de abstinencia a la marihuana?
¿Qué le pasa al cuerpo cuando deja los porros?
¿Cuáles son los efectos de dejar la marihuana?
Symptoms of THC Withdrawal Syndrome
Symptoms that arise from stopping marijuana use can last from days to weeks, depending on the level of use. Commonly reported symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
There are less frequent cases of headaches, chills, loss of appetite, sweating and abdominal pain (3).
Development of THC withdrawal syndrome
Some studies have described how THC withdrawal syndrome progresses. Initially, there may be insomnia, irritability and reduced appetite.
After 7 days, the onset of mood changes appears frequent and includes anger, aggression, and depression, peaking at 2 weeks after stopping marijuana. On the other hand, sleep disorders may persist for a longer period of time (3).
Risks of cessation of THC use
The DSM-5 manual introduces for the first time the diagnosis “Cannabis withdrawal”. The picture is nonspecific, mild, and affects 12-20% of regular cannabis users who stop using cannabis abruptly (4).
Withdrawal from marijuana does not imply a high risk of serious problems. However, additional treatment is required when other medical or psychiatric conditions exist, or with multiple substance use and dependence, when complications and withdrawal symptoms may be more intense.
Not much is known about how the effects of marijuana combine with other drugs, but it is known that the use of several substances at the same time can intensify withdrawal symptoms. In addition,people who smoke tobacco together with cannabis experience more withdrawal symptoms compared to those who only use cannabis (9). Therefore, it is important to identify which substances have been consumed and to monitor withdrawal symptoms related to substances or combinations of substances, such as alcohol, nicotine and THC, that present a higher risk.
How to quit joints
The therapeutic approach must always be personalized and will depend on the professional assessment. It is recommended to see a specialized professional to treat addiction or dependence to marijuana use, or if you have doubts or concerns about its use.
Strategies for quitting THC
Although there is not much evidence in the scientific literature, clinical practice includes different approaches to help people who are stopping marijuana use, including psychological interventions, group therapies, psychoeducation, dietary and hydration advice, among others.
Within the scientific literature, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which seeks to identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to cannabis use, stands out. It includes training in skills such as relaxation techniques, pleasurable activities, stress, mood and anger management, as well as goal setting (3).
Although there are currently no medications specifically approved for the treatment of cannabis dependence, some studies have used antidepressants and anxiolytics to manage withdrawal symptoms and improve abstinence rates. However, the use of drugs must be strictly prescribed by a physician, and only in those cases in which it is deemed appropriate. In addition, studies have explored the use of CBD for the treatment of addictions, including marijuana addiction.
Note: This is an informational article and is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content can complement, but should never replace, the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. There may be new relevant scientific evidence since the date of publication. Consult your doctor before using CBD. The therapeutic approach must always be personalized and will depend on the professional assessment. It is recommended to see a specialized professional to treat addiction or dependence to marijuana use, or if you have doubts or concerns about its use.
References
- Budney, A. J., & Hughes, J. R. (2006). The cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Current opinion in psychiatry, 19(3), 233-238. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.yco.0000218592.00689.e5
- González, S., Cebeira, M., & Fernández-Ruiz, J. (2005). Cannabinoid tolerance and dependence: a review of studies in laboratory animals. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 81(2), 300-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2005.01.028
- Connor, J. P., Stjepanović, D., Budney, A. J., Le Foll, B., & Hall, W. D. (2022). Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 117(7), 2075-2095. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15743
- Livne O, Shmulewitz D, Lev-Ran S, Hasin DS. DSM-5 cannabis withdrawal syndrome: Demographic and clinical correlates in U.S. adults. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019 Feb 1;195:170-177. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.09.005. Epub 2018 Oct 22. PMID: 30361043; PMCID: PMC6359953.