Marijuana Detox
- Detox from marijuana is necessary for removing THC from your body safely and managing complications.
- Most symptoms during detox are psychological and tend to respond to medications. Nonetheless, the FDA has not approved any drug to treat cannabis withdrawal.
- At-home detox is not usually recommended due to high inter-individual differences in response to withdrawal and the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Medically supervised detox is safe and increases the success of addiction treatment.
How To
Detox From Marijuana Safely?
As more states legalize recreational and medical marijuana, more people are taking it than ever before. People who take marijuana as a medicine are less likely to develop an addiction. Conversely, recreational use raises the risk of developing dependence and subsequent addiction. Best marijuana detox helps such users remove marijuana and its metabolites safely from their system.
Moreover, some users may want to detox from marijuana before a drug test. Marijuana and its metabolites can appear in the blood, saliva, urine, and hair for weeks after a single heavy use. While our body naturally flushes drugs and toxins from the body, it is often unable to do so when you take large amounts of a drug for prolonged periods.
Besides, marijuana tends to accumulate in your fat cells. As a result, your natural detoxification system – comprising the liver and kidneys – has difficulty removing it from the body.
Goals of Marijuana Detox
Evaluating the users’ pattern of marijuana use, co-existing physical and mental conditions, and social situations.
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Stabilizing them in a safe, controlled, and fully supported environment.
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Preparing them for other long-term addiction treatment approaches, such as psychotherapy and drug treatment.
Common
Withdrawal Symptoms
Detox from marijuana causes uncomfortable symptoms, especially in heavy long-term users. During the first two weeks after stopping marijuana use, you may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
Cannabis Cravings
irritability
Anxiety
Headaches
Stomach Pains
Restlessness
Increased Anger
Sleep Difficulty
Strange Dreams
Increased Aggression
Unusual Sweating
Depressed Mood
Loss of Appetite
Shakiness
Nausea
Your doctor may ask you to take medications to relieve some of these symptoms. For example, antidepressants can help lift your mood and control anxiety symptoms, and painkillers reduce headaches. If you have a sleep problem, your doctor may give you a sleeping aid.
These symptoms begin to wane two days after abstinence and continue to become less intense until you gain full recovery within 4 weeks. Detox professionals provide appropriate services throughout the detox and help you cope with uncomfortable symptoms.
Marijuana Detox Withdrawal
Symptoms and Timeline
First Week
The symptoms peak and can include:
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Sleep difficulty
- Depressed mood
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Fever
- Headache
Fourth Week
Most users return to normal functioning. That said, some people may experience psychiatric symptoms for 5 weeks to several months.
Marijuana Detox
Treatments
Medications
So far, no approved medication to treat marijuana withdrawal exists. However, based on experience, a doctor may recommend medications to treat sleep problems, relieve anxiety, and control pain. Notably, these drugs are used only for a short period.
Talk Therapy
Also called psychotherapy, talk therapy teaches you coping skills, life skills, and methods to prevent relapse. Besides, you can learn techniques to replace problematic thoughts with positive ones with the help of a licensed mental health counselor or therapist.
How Long Does Marijuana
Stay in the System
Marijuana may show up on a drug test up to 3 months after the last use.
The detection window varies according to the type of testing.
Blood
A blood sample usually contains detectable THC for up to 7 days. Rarely, some users may test positive after 25 days.
Urine
A urine sample may contain detectable metabolites for up to 4 weeks.
Saliva
Cannabis may be present in saliva for 1 to 3 days in infrequent users.
In long-term heavy users, it may be detectable 1 to 30 days.
Hair
Detectable cannabinoids may be present in hair samples for up to 3 months.
Safety
Is Self Detox Safe?
Though marijuana withdrawal symptoms are rarely life-threatening, experts don’t recommend at-home detox. This is because detoxing in usual environments increases the risk of relapse.
Cravings are most intense during the early few days of abstinence. Attempting unsupervised detox during this period makes you more likely to use marijuana again.
Moreover, some heavy users may develop dangerous symptoms, such as panic attacks, excessive vomiting, and psychosis-like signs. In such medically critical situations, immediate medical care is essential. Notably, there is considerable variability in response to marijuana withdrawal.
It is best to seek professional help from addiction specialists to improve your chances of transitioning to a drug-free life.
Duration
How Long Detox Lasts
Detox from marijuana can last from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on:
- How long you have been using marijuana
- Your body fat percentage
- The total quantity used
- Individual metabolism
- Dietary habits
