In the past, the words ‘marijuana’ and ‘addiction’ were seldom heard in the same sentence, but that shouldn’t be particularly surprising. Keep in mind, it wasn’t that long ago that alcohol and tobacco products were thought to be completely harmless as well.
Fortunately, there is now no doubt about alcohol, smoking and the addictive properties of each, just as there should be no questions about marijuana’s ability to render its users completely dependent.
Marijuana is a powerful drug that can cause a number of short and long-term effects. In addition, those who smoke or ingest marijuana on a consistent basis will develop a tolerance to the drug, and will need more and more of it to produce the same effects. I’m sure you can relate to that, right?
The fact is, that dependence on the drug usually follows shortly thereafter, a condition in which the marijuana user finds it very difficult to cope without regular use.
Marijuana and Detox (Detoxification)
The word “detox” is widely used around the world, and is familiar to, and much feared by drug users, including marijuana addicts. Detox is slang for detoxification, a process in which the drug user stops smoking or ingesting a drug for a given time, to help clear his or her system of the substance entirely.
During the detox process an ex-marijuana user can expect some of the following for at least a couple of weeks:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Shaking or trembling
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of appetite
- Cravings
- General malaise
These symptoms are perfectly normal and, after the first week or so, should begin to slowly dissipate. Some of the symptoms, however, especially depression and the cravings for marijuana may last for several months, or longer depending on many things.
For safety reasons, the detoxification process can be conducted and directed by a licensed medical professional, but if you plan to try it yourself at home, here are some things to remember:
- Don’t do it alone! This is the most important thing to remember. Withdrawal from any drug, including marijuana, can be dangerous. Make sure you surround yourself with people, or at least a person you love and trust. Sometimes it can also be beneficial to go through detox with a friend with the same problem. Having someone that feels the same way will help you!
- Be sure to eat and stay hydrated. After you quit marijuana you may not feel like eating, this is because your increased metabolism will slow down substantially. It is very important that you continue eating. Remember, your body is working overtime trying to dispel the drug from your system and it needs to be nourished and hydrated now more then ever to function effectively!
- Don’t be tempted. The cravings you’re bound to feel as you go through detoxification are going to be strong, so don’t set yourself up for failure by having any marijuana lying around for when you feel weak. This also applies to the people and places that make you crave the most. Don’t tempt yourself.
- Stay Busy. After the first couple of days, when the worst of the symptoms have passed, it’s important that you stay busy, keeping both your mind and body completely occupied at all times. Make a schedule of things to do! You want to be busy all the time! Idle time and passive activities during this period may make the symptoms of depression and anxiety seem even worse, and may cause you to relapse.