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Marijuana is often viewed as a โsafeโ or โnon-addictiveโ substance compared to other drugs like opioids or methamphetamine. However, frequent marijuana use comes with risks. One is the risk of addiction.
According to Yale Medicine, about 10% of people who start smoking weed will become addicted, and up to 30% of users meet the criteria for a cannabis use disorder.
Still, there are many public misconceptions about the drug, including its potential to be physically addictive. Some believe that marijuana is not physically addictive and that it wonโt cause withdrawal symptoms when you quit using it. However, research and first-hand experience say otherwise.
In this article, weโll explore weed withdrawal by looking at studies on cannabis as well as experiences from Reddit users online who have gone through withdrawal themselves. You will learn:
- How common marijuana withdrawal is
- What symptoms to expect
- How long weed withdrawal lasts
- What Reddit users say about weed withdrawal
- Where to find help
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]To speak with an admissions counselor to get help for yourself or a loved one, please reach out to our team at Moving Mountains Recovery today.
How Common is Marijuana Withdrawal?
Studies have found that between 33-40% of regular cannabis users experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. The risk increases with frequency of useโthose who use marijuana daily or almost daily are more likely to experience withdrawal compared to occasional users.
Research also shows that marijuana withdrawal is a recognized medical condition, known as Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome (CWS). The symptoms can be uncomfortable enough to cause some people to relapse, making it harder to stay sober without support.
Weed Withdrawal Symptoms
Weed withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, but many Reddit users describe similar experiences. Common symptoms include:
- Irritability and Mood Swings: Users often mention feeling unusually angry, frustrated, or emotionally sensitive during the first few days.
- Sleep Problems: Insomnia, vivid dreams, and night sweats are frequently discussed in online forums.
- Anxiety and Restlessness: Many people say they feel on edge, especially in the first week. Depression is also common.
- Decreased Appetite: Some users report not feeling hungry or struggling to eat normally.
- Headaches and Physical Discomfort: Headaches, stomach aches, and body tension are other common physical symptoms.
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What Weed Withdrawal is Like According to Reddit Users
People on Reddit often share their experiences with marijuana withdrawal to help others going through the same thing. Others turn to various subreddits to ask for advice or hear experiences from people who have already detoxed. There is even an entire subreddit, r/leaves, dedicated to helping people quit using marijuana products.
Here are a few insights from various Reddit threads on the topic of cannabis withdrawal:
- โI’m currently going through withdrawal and it’s no joke for some people, even when it’s mild for most. I’m reading that the worst symptoms (anxiety, nausea/vomiting, night sweats, vivid dreams) get better between a week and a month for most.โ – AriaSencha
- โJust 5 days ago I quit using Marijuana products. I experienced the most intense withdrawals and I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I’m 31yrs old and I’ve been smoking daily since I was 15. Sweating, chills, migraine, fever, insomnia, zero appetite, nausea and vomiting and super intense cravings for just one hit to “feel better”. I was completely miserable and had to stay home from work for two of the worst days.โ – bgagnon44
- โWhen I quit cold turkey, I gave up after 16 days of terrible withdrawal. The next time I quit, I weaned off slowly over about a month and didn’t have much if any withdrawal symptoms.โ – GirldickVanDyke
- โTook about 2 weeks to feel fully normal for me, but the intense withdrawals went away after about a week. For the second week I felt depressed and distantโ – takeabench
- โI am on day 12 of quitting cold turkey after almost daily edibles for 5 years and while I’ve seen worse withdrawals in other people from much worse drugs than weed, this does not feel great at all. Started with insomnia and sweaty hands/feet and currently now going through irritability and fidgeting of my legs and hands whenever I sit or lay in one spot. And the insomnia continues… along with lack of appetite.โ – Stunning-Sky-590
- โThe first week is the hardest but it does start to get easier after that I promise you. Day 3 and 5 ended me in the hospital my anxiety and things were so bad. It was literally the hardest thing I have ever done in my life thus far but now Iโm on day 64 and I wouldnโt trade this for the world.โ – Ancient_Stregoneria
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Many users point out that withdrawals are worse among daily users as well as people who have been consuming marijuana concentrates, such as wax or edibles, as these tend to have higher concentrations of marijuana.
How Long Does Marijuana Withdrawal Last?
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary based on how long and how frequently someone used marijuana. Based on personal accounts from Reddit, withdrawal symptoms often follow this timeline:
- Days 1-3: Irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances begin. Night sweats can also start for heavy users.
- Days 4-7: Symptoms peak, with mood swings and cravings being especially intense.
- Days 8-14: Physical symptoms, like headaches and night sweats, start to ease.
- 2-4 Weeks: Emotional symptoms like anxiety and irritability gradually improve. For heavy users, symptoms can linger for several months.
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Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana withdrawal is not life-threatening, however, it can be difficult to overcome without professional guidance. Outpatient treatment programs that provide therapy, counseling, and peer support can help guide individuals through the detox process.
If youโre struggling to stop using marijuana, Moving Mountains Recovery can help. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, guiding each person toward a healthier, substance-free lifestyle.
At Moving Mountains, our comprehensive marijuana addiction treatment combines evidence-based practices to support individuals on their journey to recovery. We offer various programs tailored to meet unique needs, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient (OP) options.
To learn more about our treatment programs or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please give us a call today![/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”References:” tab_id=”1739720341225-a813b4a5-fe22″][vc_column_text css=””]
- Yale Medicine: Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Cannabis withdrawal in the United States: a general population study
- NIH: The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights
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