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Marijuana and Alcohol Withdrawal – Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention

Have you heard of the symptoms related to alcohol and marijuana withdrawal? These days, a lot of people look for protection from body-destroying substances like alcohol and marijuana, looking at stress as an unwanted but persistent friend.

However, this relaxation is short-lived and can sometimes result in a more complicated condition called alcohol use disorder or dependency on marijuana. These are not simply habits but also recognized medical conditions that impact many people within the U.S.

If a person makes up their mind to reduce or give up, they could have an unexpected visitor: withdrawal. Understanding how to cope with these syndromes is very important. It’s the initial stage in dealing with them correctly and taking back power over your health and life. Let’s analyze the symptoms of alcohol and marijuana withdrawal in more detail.

marijuana withdrawal syndrome

Understanding Substance & Drug Withdrawal Syndromes

When someone decreases or quits using a substance their body has adapted to, withdrawal symptoms can emerge. This reflects how the body adjusts to the absence of something it has become reliant on. Picture your brain as a seesaw, and these substances help keep you balanced. The sudden withdrawal of them causes everything to become unsteady and results in physical and mental effects as your body and mind try to find the balance once again.

Why Do Withdrawal Symptoms Happen?

As time passes, the brain becomes dependent on these substances to make certain chemicals or activate particular receptors. Alcohol, for example, depresses the nervous system, and when you drink it often enough, your body reacts by becoming more alert. Take away alcohol, and the body overcompensates. This is why some people get anxious and experience shaking or more serious side effects.

In a similar way to alcohol impacting GABA receptors, marijuana influences the brain’s receptors that control mood, perception, and pain. The cessation of its use can cause these receptors to be temporarily disturbed, leading to marijuana withdrawal symptoms.

Marijuana Withdrawal Syndrome – Symptoms and Timespan

In the United States, THC, also called cannabis or marijuana, is used widely for both medical and recreational purposes. Regular users who suddenly stop or reduce usage may experience marijuana withdrawal syndrome (MWS). MWS can range from mild to severe. It affects both physical and mental health.

Most common physical symptoms:

  • Headaches;
  • Sweating;
  • Tremors;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Abdominal pain;
  • Chills;

Most common psychological symptoms:

  • Irritability and anger;
  • Anxiety and restlessness;
  • Insomnia or vivid dreams;
  • Depression;
  • Difficulty concentrating;
  • Cravings for weed use:

marijuana withdrawal detox

How Long Do Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The timespan of MWS might be different for every person.  Many people face their worst symptoms during the first week after they stop. These symptoms usually reach their highest point within 48 to 72 hours and slowly lessen over the following weeks.

Sometimes, the severe symptoms could last for a few months. This is particularly true in people who have been heavy substance users for a long time.

According to the research provided by the reputable Oxford Treatment Center, you should expect the marijuana withdrawal symptoms to occur and last in such a way:

Timespan Symptoms During This Period
First 3 days Vomiting, stomach pain, excessive perspiration, restlessness, physical craving for marijuana
7-10 days Physical symptoms start to taper off, psychological symptoms intensify, depression
10-20 days Symptoms begin to reduce
Up to 30 days Insomnia, lethargy, fatigue
30 days + Anxiety, depression

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome – Symptoms and Timespan

Alcohol is a common and legal substance, but overconsumption can result in dependency. When a person who drinks heavily abruptly stops or significantly cuts down their intake, they may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). The symptoms of AWS can range from mild to severe, and in extreme cases, they may pose serious health risks.

Most common physical signs of alcohol withdrawal:

  • Tremors or “alcohol shakes”;
  • Headaches;
  • Sweating;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Rapid heart rate;
  • Increased blood pressure;

Most common psychological signs of alcohol withdrawal:

  • Anxiety and irritability;
  • Confusion;
  • Insomnia or vivid dreams;
  • Depression;
  • Difficulty concentrating;
  • Cravings for alcohol;

Important notice:  stopping alcohol use suddenly might occasionally result in delirium tremens (DTs), a dangerous illness. DTs can be deadly if neglected. Thus, they need to be treated right away.

Symptoms associated with DTs could be:

  • Severe confusion and disorientation;
  • Hallucinations;
  • Fever;
  • Seizures;
  • Extreme agitation;

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

How Long Do Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Only two factors, the duration and intensity of drinking, affect alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms often appear 6-24 hours after the last drink. However, they can worsen over the next two days. Most symptoms disappear within one week. But some can last for several weeks or months.

The AWS may cause symptoms that last from 6 hours to a few months. Here is what you should expect:

Timespan Symptoms During This Period
First 6-12 hours Anxiety, headache, shaking, nausea, vomiting, insomnia
12-24 hours Disorientation, hand tremors, seizures (in severe cases)
24-48 hours Seizures, hallucinations, high blood pressure, heavy sweating
48-72 hours Delirium tremens (DTs) – confusion, rapid heartbeat, fever, heavy sweating
Up to 1 week Mood swings, fatigue, continued sleep disturbances
Several weeks-months Anxiety, depression, irritability, continued sleep disturbances, decreased energy

How to Detox From Weed – Possible Treatment Options

Be aware that many people suffer from marijuana withdrawal syndrome (MWS) and that some treatments can help you avoid cannabis and manage your symptoms. These methods include non-pharmacological therapy, changes to one’s lifestyle, and home remedies.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment

  • Cognitive-behavioral supportive therapy helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with marijuana use;
  • Motivational stimulation therapy can help strengthen your motivation to change marijuana use behaviors and develop a recovery plan;
  • Contingency management uses rewards to encourage abstinence from marijuana;
  • You may find it helpful to become part of a support group like Marijuana Anonymous. This can offer you a feeling of belonging and let you interact with people who are also striving for abstinence;

Pharmacological Treatment

  • Over-the-counter or prescription sleep medications may help with insomnia and sleep disturbances;
  • If you experience depression or anxiety in the withdrawal period, your doctor might give you a prescription for antidepressants to assist in handling these symptoms;
  • Sometimes, withdrawal from marijuana can lead to seizures. Anti-seizure medications work well to stop and prevent these seizures;

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

  • Physical activity can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality;
  • Deep breathe, meditate, and do gradual muscle relaxation to handle anxiety and being easily annoyed;
  • A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help your body cope with the withdrawal symptoms;
  • Drinking enough water can ease headaches and lessen the possibility of getting dehydrated;
  • Try to find fresh hobbies or rekindle past interests that can divert your attention from cravings;

How to Detox From Alcohol – Possible Treatment Options

AWS is a difficult and possibly hazardous condition, but it can be overcome with correct treatment and help from others. The usual treatment for alcohol detox involves a mix of medications, pill interventions, supportive care as well as long-lasting rehabilitation methods.

Pharmacological Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Treatments

  • Benzodiazepines:  Drugs such as lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium) reduce tremors, anxiety, and the risk of seizures;
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1):  Drinking alcohol may cause thiamine levels to decrease, which may lead to neurological problems. Giving additional thiamine in detox is a common way of avoiding these problems;
  • Antiepileptic Drugs: Pills for alcohol detoxification, such as gabapentin or carbamazepine, may be used to treat or prevent seizures caused by alcohol withdrawal;

Lifestyle Changes

  • Drinking enough fluids is crucial to prevent electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
  • Taking a vitamin- and mineral-rich, well-balanced diet can help the body renovation;
  • Relaxation and getting enough sleep can help the body renovation and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms;

Long-Term Rehabilitation

While medical care and drug detoxification are vital for resolving the acute symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, lifelong rehabilitation is needed to maintain sobriety and prevent relapses into previous behaviors.

Here are a few long-term treatment methods that have been successful:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is the most effective method of alcohol detoxing because CBT helps people identify and change harmful patterns and behaviors associated with alcohol abuse;
  • Motivational interviewing is a kind of counseling that helps people explore and work with mixed feelings related to their drinking habits;
  • Help groups: Joining a support group like SMART Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) may also be helpful to you. Such groups can offer community and responsibility in keeping sobriety;
  • Alcohol detox medications, such as naltrexone or acamprosate, used with therapy and group support, can help lessen cravings and avoid relapse;

Start by googling the “alcohol withdrawal centers near me” and get professional assistance if you feel like you can’t cease drinking alcohol on your own. Medical insurance can even cover these centers, though governmental free-of-charge programs and private institutions exist.

The specialists will help to compile the best alcohol detox program, especially for you.

Comparison of Marijuana and Alcohol Withdrawal

MWS is usually not as serious as AWS. Commonly, people who stop using marijuana might experience irritability, problems with sleep, less desire to eat, and mood changes. Yet, withdrawal from alcohol can lead to more extreme effects such as shaking hands (tremors), fits (seizures), or even dangerous situations like delirium tremens that can be life-threatening.

Treatment for MWS usually concentrates on non-pharmacological methods like counseling, support groups, and altering lifestyles. Certain kinds of medicine might be utilized to handle particular symptoms. However, there are no officially approved FDA medicines made especially for treating withdrawal symptoms related to marijuana.

However, the standard alcohol withdrawal treatment frequently needs medical detoxification and the usage of drugs such as benzodiazepines to control symptoms and avoid issues. Rehabilitation over a long period for alcohol addiction might also include medication-supported treatment (MAT), which decreases cravings and stops relapse. It is specifically important to use the correct program with carefully picked alcohol detox drugs.

So, the difficulties of marijuana and alcohol withdrawal are different. Despite being unpleasant, marijuana symptoms are typically not dangerous. However, alcohol withdrawal is more severe and leads to critical situations like delirium severe or convulsions. Sometimes, heavy substance users may require emergency alcohol detox in medical institutions. That is why an alcohol drinker needs to get professional medical assistance when they try to stop drinking alcohol because it is not safe for them to do so without help.

How to Prevent Relapse After the Substance Withdrawal?

  • Understand what situations, individuals, or feelings might cause cravings. Make a strategy to prevent or handle these triggers;
  • Create a circle of friends, family, and others who are strong supporters and comprehend your journey toward recovery; they can offer you motivation as well as responsibility;
  • Long-lasting therapy might aid in the improvement of coping strategies, handling hidden problems, and keeping up with enthusiasm toward sobriety;
  • Stress is a typical factor that can lead to relapse. It is crucial to learn how to handle stress by engaging in physical activities, meditation, or at least doing deep breaths;
  • Do the routine things that help with physical, mental, and emotional health like light exercising, eating good food, and getting enough sleep;
  • Going to meetings of support groups like Marijuana Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous can give you a feeling of belonging and make sure you are committed to your recovery goals;

The road to recovery lasts a lifetime. It’s necessary for people who have experienced withdrawal from any substance use and rehab to continue engaging in ongoing treatment activities.

Conclusion

Marijuana and alcohol withdrawal can be tough and unpleasant conditions for those people who become dependent on these substances. Even though marijuana withdrawal is usually not as serious as alcohol withdrawal, both conditions might cause different physical and mental effects.

Consulting healthcare professionals or addiction experts is very important when dealing with withdrawal symptoms seriously. Treatment methods might consist of different types of medical actions, therapy sessions, support groups, and lifestyle changes, according to each person’s needs and situation.

To people and families who are experiencing marijuana and alcohol withdrawal – recovery is real and there should be no shame in seeking help from other people, especially professionals. Your most important task is to stay healthy!