Marijuana Withdrawal and Detox Timeline

Marijuana withdrawal and detox timelines are important for severe drug users. Quitting marijuana use can be difficult when you don’t have a timeline in mind. After all, you may feel like you’re going through withdrawals for days or weeks. At some point in time, the withdrawals may feel unbearable, and with no end in sight. By familiarizing with the marijuana detox and withdrawal timeline, you’ll at least know what to expect.

It’s important to note that the timeline will vary from individual to individual. Only about 9% of all marijuana users get addicted to the drug. That means that a huge majority of users will not experience any withdrawal symptoms. Even if they do, the symptoms of marijuana withdrawals may be so mild that they don’t faze the user.

A small percentage of marijuana users, on the other hand, will experience severe symptoms. These people may describe the symptoms as overbearing or even painful. This article will focus on the marijuana detox and withdrawal timeline for these people.

An Approximate Marijuana Withdrawal Timeline

Many factors can influence the marijuana withdrawal timeline. Some marijuana users get over marijuana abuse fairly quickly. They barely experience any withdrawal symptoms of marijuana abuse. Others may experience uncomfortable and even painful symptoms. No one can predict exactly whether a marijuana user will experience mild or severe withdrawal symptoms.

The marijuana withdrawal timeline will also vary a bit. In most situations, the timeline will begin to kick in anywhere from a day p to three days after the last use. The withdrawal symptoms will begin to peak after two to three days and can last anywhere from a mere few days to as long as several weeks.

Let’s take a look at the approximate timeline for marijuana withdrawals, as well as the expected withdrawal symptoms below.

0 to 48 Hours After Last Dose

For a small percentage of marijuana users, the withdrawal symptoms will begin to kick in within 0 to 48 hours after the last dose. It doesn’t matter what the method of marijuana abuse may be. Some users may have smoked marijuana, while others may have eaten edibles.

These withdrawals from marijuana misuse tend to start off mild and will begin to intensify. The most common physical symptoms experienced during this time include:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Difficulties concentrating or focusing
• Difficulties sleeping

• Restlessness
• Shakiness and tremors

The withdrawal symptoms will only begin to worsen from here, as the body starts to crave the drug.

48 to 72 Hours After Last Dose

Once the initial withdrawal symptoms have kicked in, the other symptoms that begin to emerge are quite a bit more intense. These symptoms can make it hard to quit marijuana use. Marijuana detox can be effective in easing these symptoms. They help rebalance neurochemical levels in the brain. Some of these symptoms include:

• Chills and headaches
• Intense cravings
• Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Stomach cramps and pain

The intensity of the symptoms will depend on one’s biological makeup, the length of the drug abuse, as well as the dosage taken. Medical supervision at the treatment centers will ensure that patients experience symptoms that are as mild as possible.

4 to 14 Days After Last Use

Once the physical symptoms have peaked, the psychological symptoms will begin to kick in. Psychological symptoms will take much longer to disappear. They’re also much more likely to reappear for no reason at all. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms expected to appear at this time include:

• Aggression, irritability and mood swings
• Difficulties concentrating
• Intense cravings
• Mild depression
• Sleep disorders, like insomnia

The depression can be difficult to kick. Some marijuana users feel as if they will never be happy again unless they continue to use the drug. All these symptoms will eventually pass. It takes time. Unfortunately, these symptoms can continue on even after several weeks.

An Estimated Marijuana Detox Timeline

Medical professionals at rehab centers can prescribe an assortment of medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. This is known as medical detox. Medical detox is necessary for a successful and sustained recovery. It’s especially important in those who have developed marijuana dependence. The detox process puts a stop to cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.

The detox process treats not only the substance use disorder, but also any other co-occurring disorders, like mental health disorders. Some marijuana users may be struggling with depression or anxiety.

In general, the detox process lasts for approximately 2 weeks. After that, most of the symptoms will begin to disappear or, at the very least, become more manageable. The symptoms peak during 2 to 3 days, although chronic users tend to experience longer withdrawal timelines. With that said, those who experience marijuana induced insomnia may expect to struggle with these symptoms for up to 30 days. It takes quite a long period of time before their sleeping may return to normal.

How to Choose the Best Drug Detox Treatment Center

So, how do you go about choosing the best drug detox center? After all, there are quite a few options available. What determines whether a marijuana detox center will offer you the treatment you need? To assess the effectiveness of a marijuana addiction treatment program, it’s important to also look for:

• The availability of behavioral therapy and counseling along with the marijuana detox
• A referral to inpatient rehab treatment or outpatient rehab treatment
• The type of support programs available, like whether loved ones can visit
• The overall cost of services, as well as the payment options accepted
• Whether your insurance coverage will pay for the treatment
• The staff to patient ratio
• Whether the rehab centers rely on evidence-based treatment approaches

Make sure to ask plenty of questions before choosing which rehab center to go with. Consider the full treatment length, and the reputation of each one of the rehab centers as well. There are plenty of different factors that need to be accounted for before a decision is made.

Rely on an Accredited Drug Rehab Center

The best way to get through marijuana withdrawal symptoms is through detox. Marijuana detox can make a huge difference for someone experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms. The detox process is relatively quick and hassle-free. For best results, seek medical detox from accredited treatment centers, like Amethyst Recovery.

We offer a wide range of treatment options, from day/night programs to residential treatment. We understand just how difficult dealing with an addiction can be. As a result, we have simplified the process as much as possible, and have created a comfortable and safe space for recovery. You’ll not only get healthier at our substance abuse recovery center, but you’ll also learn and develop better habits.

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our staff will answer your questions in a timely manner. We’re happy to help, and can walk you through the entire recovery process, so that there are no surprises.