Although marijuana is a Schedule I controlled drug, its use has been legalized in several states in the US because not everybody is likely to experience its adverse effects.

The reasons why marijuana users decide to detox could be any of the following:

• They want to pass a drug test and gain employment.
• They have experienced signs of a Cannabis Use Disorder.
• They want to improve the quality of their life which is compromised by their drug use.

While it is possible to safely detox at home since withdrawal outcomes of marijuana are not as dangerous as other addictive substances, detox in a rehab center is guaranteed safe, convenient, and has higher success rates.

Individuals with a severe level of addiction are highly discouraged to detox at home. The same goes for people who have no one to assist them at home.

Withdrawal could be challenging and support from other people is essential to limit your discomfort. Without this, you could easily fall into relapse.

When you decide to begin your marijuana detox, the following are likely to be expected.

Withdrawal varies in every person.

The level of your withdrawal depends on how long you have been using marijuana and how much you have been taking it in a period.

Those who have been regularly increasing their doses due to an established tolerance for the drug are likely to struggle once they begin to separate themselves from drug use.

People with severe Cannabis Use Disorder are also prone to experience serious withdrawal symptoms during detox.

What Are The Serious Withdrawal Symptoms

Experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms requires you to take immediate medical help right away. An emergency admission is highly recommended.

While withdrawal itself is not life-threatening, this does not mean that fatal complications are not likely to occur. The following are conditions to watch out for:

Dehydration

Dehydration is very common during withdrawal especially when you experience diarrhea and vomiting. When you begin to suffer from dehydration, drinking lots of water can be helpful but may not be enough. A trip to the hospital would be suitable.

Psychosis

Marijuana can alter brain function and when it subsides õin the body, it could make you vulnerable to experiencing hallucinations. If you exhibit violent behavior towards others or yourself, you definitely need immediate medical care.

What Are Other Outcomes of Withdrawal

Withdrawal among people with mild to moderate Cannabis Use Disorder may not be serious but can still be unpleasant. Most people compare it to experiencing the terrible flu.

The following are the withdrawal symptoms that can occur during detox:

• Headache and nausea
• Fatigue and body pain
• Extreme sweating and chills
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty to sleep
• Anxiety and depression
• Changes in mood

Withdrawal management is highly effective when medically supervised. It reduces discomfort and prevents the tendency for relapse.

Other withdrawal outcomes include the following:

An increase in temper

You may find yourself usually angry not only with others but also with yourself. This is likely caused by your withdrawal. If you notice this, you could help boost your mood through light exercises such as walking or jogging.

Intense cravings

Cravings for the drug always come with withdrawal, and if you give in, you will experience relapse. Although there are no drugs that can limit these cravings, experts recommend following a taper schedule to reduce their intensity.

Experiencing nightmares

While it is one thing to experience insomnia, it is also another thing to experience nightmares during withdrawal. Both contribute to the lack of quality sleep that you can get which can also make you feel more exhausted during detox.

Withdrawal outcomes are unpredictable, but you can condition your mind by knowing what to expect so that you can prepare yourself.

Overall, never go through detox on your own. Seek medical support or support from families and friends.

Detox treatment is necessary.

When you opt to detox, you should consider treatment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the process. Here are the things that must be involved during detox treatment.

Tapering doses

If you quit cold turkey during detox, the withdrawal symptoms are likely to surge all at once because your body will have trouble coping with the absence of the drug. You will go through an extremely painful withdrawal if you take this option.

The best solution instead is to taper your doses gradually. Your doctor can help you create a taper schedule that can best suit your needs. With this, the discomfort of withdrawal does not have to be extreme.

Medical prescriptions

There are no FDA-approved drugs for marijuana withdrawal unlike those for opioid substances which can even be taken as maintenance drugs. Medical prescriptions are only intended to treat specific symptoms during withdrawal.

They are temporary medications that can help relieve certain pain such as headaches or nausea. Other medications include antidepressants and sleep aids which you can only get with a doctor’s prescription.

Therapy

Detox is coupled with therapy and counseling so that the necessary skills in fighting off cravings for the drug can be really strengthened.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy gives the benefit of acquiring these skills. It allows you to identify potential triggers of relapse and helps you cope with them. These triggers don’t always have to be overcome. Sometimes, it also works to get yourself away from them.

Detox kits are available.

For those who intend to use detox kits to come out clean in drug tests very quickly, caution must be put in mind in taking this choice. You may also seek guidance from your doctor in case you really need to do this for your job.

There was one reported case of a man who used a detox kit and experienced psychosis after. This man was rushed to the hospital. Although this remains an isolated case, it is something that should not be undermined at all.

Overall, the best option to ensure detox safety is to seek medical help and give your body enough time to overcome withdrawal.