Marijuana is known to the whole world as a deadly and very addictive drug. Its main component is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. It is a drug with some unique properties and effects that can make its users to become completely dependent on it. Some people use marijuana for its sedative properties, while others use it for other purposes.
Some people find it easy quitting marijuana but others, who have used to the extent where they are controlled by this very addictive drug, will find it much more difficult and uncomfortable.
Some smokers are reluctant to quit marijuana due to the fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. Just like other drugs such as heroin and cocaine, marijuana is harmful to your health and it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms to those quitting.
Marijuana dependence
Marijuana is a very addictive drug just like other drugs that are so common on the streets. Marijuana addicts, who solidly depend on this drug, later develop psychological and physiological changes.
Using marijuana for long periods of time leads to a condition known as dependence where your body gets to a point where it cannot function well without being under the influence of it. When your body gets to a point where you have to smoke marijuana to feel normal, that is when you become dependent on marijuana.
Without weed in your body, you may start feeling withdrawal symptoms which can be physical or psychological in nature. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of marijuana include anxiety, headache, irritability, insomnia, nausea, cravings, restlessness, depression, and cramps.
Why do people smoke marijuana?
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are usually the direct opposite of the effects of using marijuana. Most marijuana smokers believe that smoking marijuana helps them in different ways because they perceive it to be a good drug for relaxing, stimulation, and sedation purposes.
If you analyze some of the psychological marijuana withdrawal symptoms such as depression, lack of appetite, and anxiety, you’ll realize that they are actually the opposite of the reasons why people smoke marijuana.
If marijuana has taken control over your life and is driving you nuts, then you’ll need to quit immediately before your condition becomes worse.
To withdraw from marijuana successfully, you need to follow these steps to emerge victorious, and start aligning your life in the right direction.
Make a decision to withdraw
Withdrawing from marijuana requires that you make a personal decision which should be respected by your friends, family members and loved ones. If you have reached a point where you believe that using marijuana has ruined your life, the best step to take is to start planning how to quit and deal with withdrawal symptoms mentioned earlier.
The most important thing is the fact that you have accepted that smoking weed is ruining your life and that you are ready to quit.
Dispose of anything that can make you smoke again
If you have a water pipe, rolling papers, or other things like lighters, marijuana, and any other paraphernalia that can trigger you to start smoking, get rid of them. Clear your room and flush all remaining marijuana down the toilet to start living a sober life. Delete contacts of any friends who can influence you to start smoking after quitting, including all marijuana suppliers.
Get family support
Stay close to your family members after quitting weed to stay strong. Let them support you as you overcome withdrawal symptoms experienced after quitting weed. Maintain open communication with people close to you, and those who are ready to hold your hand and support you.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can be severe, especially if you cannot effectively handle the symptoms. That is why it is recommended to remain close to supportive friends and loved ones.
Get informed about marijuana withdrawal symptoms
Quitting marijuana after several years of addiction leads to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are not life threatening if handled carefully. Some of the common symptoms a person should understand are part of the withdrawal process include headaches, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Find interesting things to do
You find things that interest you the most after you quit smoking weed. Keep yourself busy with activities that won’t make you feel like smoking weed, watch a movie or just take a walk and interact with nature.
The important thing is to keep your mind occupied so that you are not focusing on smoking, or the withdrawal symptoms you might be experiencing. You will be using healthy coping tools to get beyond this stage of your recovery.
