What to Expect for the First 15 Days After Quitting Marijuana
When your body is physically dependent on marijuana due to heavy or long-term use, quitting the drug abruptly can send your body into withdrawal. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are not generally life-threatening, but can be uncomfortable and difficult to cope with until you fully overcome physical dependence. Knowing what to expect prior to quitting can help you prepare for certain symptoms and seek the treatment needed to overcome marijuana use disorder safely and comfortably.
If you or someone close to you abuses marijuana or suffers from marijuana use disorder, understand there are detox and rehab centers that can help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to learn more about local addiction treatment centers that can help you overcome substance abuse.
Here’s what to expect for the first 15 days and beyond after stopping marijuana use.
Day One
On the first day after quitting marijuana, you may feel anxious and irritable — especially if you’re struggling with finding new things to do in place of marijuana use. You may experience difficulty with establishing a new routine, and with being able to relax naturally without turning to the drug. Insomnia is also common for the first day or two after quitting marijuana.
Days Two and Three
Marijuana cravings may be particularly strong on days two and three as your body rebalances to overcome physical dependence. You may also experience cold sweats and chills, as well as abdominal pain, in rare cases. Experts say days two and three of marijuana withdrawal are often the most intense and severe for many users.
Days Four to 14
Any physical withdrawal symptoms you experience will gradually fade through days four to 14. However, you may be at higher risk for depression during this time period as your brain chemicals rebalance and adapt to functioning normally without THC. You may also continue to experience marijuana cravings as your body continues to overcome physical dependence.
Days 15 and Beyond
By the third week of quitting marijuana, your body will most likely have fully overcome physical dependence on the substance. You may go on to experience lasting feelings of depression and anxiety, which is common. However, these co-occurring health conditions can be treated using prescription medications, behavioral counseling and therapy, or a combination of both.
Benefits of Marijuana Detox and Rehab
If you are addicted to other substances in addition to marijuana, such as alcohol, methamphetamine, or opioids, you may benefit highly from detox treatment. Detox can assist you with overcoming physical dependence on substances while reducing the risk for relapse, cravings, and most withdrawal symptoms. Detox can be performed in an outpatient setting if you suffer from a minor addiction, or in a medically supervised inpatient setting that offers a safe, stable environment for recovery if you suffer a serious addiction.
Many detox centers also offer behavioral counseling and therapy so you can overcome the psychological causes of marijuana addiction. If you suffer from co-occurring disorders in addition to addiction, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, these conditions can be effectively treated at the same time. By the time you end up leaving rehab, you’ll feel healthier, happier, and ready to navigate through life without being weighed down by your addiction.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from marijuana use disorder or substance abuse, understand it’s never too late to get help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to learn more about quitting marijuana at a detox center devoted to helping you stay clean, healthy, and addiction-free.