Even if you’re not a health enthusiast always looking to stay current with the latest research for living your best life, you’ve probably heard of trends like intermittent fasting, juice cleanses and detoxing various substances from your body. All it takes is a quick Google search to find hundreds of thousands of articles promising the top tips and tricks to deliver better health. But unfortunately, this online advice can lead to misconceptions and quick fixes that might do more harm than good.
If you’ve started relying on THC to relax, have fun, fall asleep or manage anxiety or depression symptoms, you should be aware that this compound accumulates in the body’s fatty tissues, where it can remain for extended periods. Marijuana use is still illegal in many states, and can interfere with your ability to maintain healthy relationships or hold a steady job. Here’s what you should know about how to detox from weed.
Can You Detox From Marijuana by Yourself?
While marijuana detox tends to lead to fewer severe complications than other drugs such as alcohol and opioids, it can still cause symptoms such as mood swings, drug cravings, difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, depression, headaches and restlessness. Your withdrawal may be more intense and last longer if you have been a long-term, heavy marijuana user.
Marijuana detox symptoms can be highly erratic. There is usually no way to accurately predict what your experience might be like until you start your detox from weed. Though marijuana withdrawal may not be as dangerous as quitting some other substances, its effects may be long-lasting. Acute marijuana withdrawal symptoms could last up to two weeks, with lingering psychological symptoms persisting for even longer. Some people return to marijuana use if their detox attempt becomes too unpleasant.
Tips for Detoxing From Weed
If you’re trying to quit using marijuana, some simple lifestyle changes might help you avoid some of the most uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and have a successful detox from weed.
- Hydrate: For optimal health and body functioning, drink plenty of water every day, being careful to avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages. If you have trouble remembering to drink water, use an app or set a timer. Foods like lettuce, cucumbers and melons can also help you get and stay hydrated.
- Eat a balanced diet: Overly processed foods will only make you feel worse if you are trying to stay clean. Eating mood-boosting foods will help your body and brain adjust to a lack of marijuana.
- Exercise daily: Daily workouts can also help you regulate your mood and energy levels in the absence of marijuana. You will also fall asleep more quickly after tiring yourself out with exercise.
- Find hobbies: When detoxing from weed, free time can be your worst enemy, since boredom can make cravings feel more intense. Healthy hobbies such as yoga and journaling might help you get a handle on your withdrawal symptoms.
- Seek support: If you are embarrassed to admit how much marijuana you have been using, you may believe you are better off trying to detox from weed alone. However, having help and encouragement from someone you trust can make a significant difference in your comfort and inspire you to stick with your goals.
Knowing When You Need Professional Help
It can be challenging to accept that you have developed a problem with drugs such as marijuana. If you are ready to end your reliance on weed, alcohol or other drugs, we encourage you to reach out to us at Pillars Recovery as soon as possible. We believe everyone deserves accredited, qualified help to break free of substance addiction and realize a fulfilling, happy life.
