Cannabinoid Detox

What Is Cannabinoid Detox?

If an individual experiences one or more withdrawal symptoms after reducing or quitting use of drugs like Marijuana or Synthetic Marijuana, Cannabinoid detox may be required for recovery. Though Marijuana and Synthetic Marijuana can have widely divergent chemical makeups, their withdrawal symptoms are similar and typically involve mood changes, insomnia, headaches, sweating, and nightmares.

Cannabinoids, as an illicit substance category, encompass a class of drugs with similar chemical compounds and Psychoactive effects. While the term comes from the Marijuana plant, which contains over 100 distinct chemical compounds collectively called Cannabinoids, today it is broadly used to refer to Cannabis (used interchangeably with Marijuana) and Synthetic Cannabis. As more states legalize Cannabinoids for medical and recreational use, attitudes about their addictiveness have changed. Yet recent studies show up to 30% of people currently using Cannabinoids may have some level of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).

Cannabinoid Tolerance And Addiction

Due to the potency of today’s Cannabinoids, people are ingesting higher amounts of THC (the chemical responsible for the drug’s “high”) than ever before. The average THC content of Marijuana in 1990 was under 4% and had risen to 12% by 2014. Today, the average Cannabinoid extract has more than 50% THC; some samples surpass 80%. Synthetic Marijuana, however, generally doesn’t contain THC but rather chemicals that mimic its effects. Subsequently, researchers have noted that Synthetic Marijuana binds more strongly to the same receptors as THC molecules, yielding stronger effects.

The higher the level of THC and the more often you use, the more likely you are to become dependent. You have difficulty stopping if you need to stop. You have cravings during periods when [you are] not using. And you need more and more of it to have the same effect.

Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to higher levels of THC. This is known as a tolerance, and an individual will need to take increasing amounts of Cannabinoids to overcome their brain’s adjustment–and more still to get high. Once dependent on Cannabinoids, people may start to exhibit addiction-related behaviors (such as using despite legal consequences and trying to quit unsuccessfully). One in 10 people who abuse Marijuana will develop an addiction. Both Cannabinoid-dependent and addicted individuals can experience symptoms of withdrawal within hours after their last dose.

Symptoms Of Cannabinoid Withdrawal

Symptoms of Cannabinoid withdrawal occur in about 42% of people who abuse them. While many believe these symptoms are not serious, between 33% and 78% of those who experienced them resumed use to alleviate symptoms after trying to quit. In one instance, a woman reported waking up every 45 minutes throughout the night to smoke Synthetic Marijuana and keep withdrawal symptoms at bay.

Symptoms can range from uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening, particularly with Synthetic Marijuana addictions. Accordingly, medically supervised detox is suggested to avoid health complications and to help ensure a successful recovery.

Common symptoms of Cannabinoid withdrawal listed in the DSM-5 include:

• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Depression
• Drug cravings
• Headaches
• Increased aggression
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Restlessness
• Shaking/Tremors
• Stomach pain
• Sweating

Timeline Of Cannabinoid Detox

The timeline of Cannabinoid detox varies depending on the length and severity of the addiction. Additionally, Synthetic Marijuana (with the assortment of chemicals it may contain) can have a rapid and intense onset of symptoms.

Days 1 – 3

• Onset of symptoms within 72 hours
• Daily Synthetic Marijuana smokers report withdrawal after as little as 15 minutes
• Symptoms include drug cravings, insomnia, loss of appetite, headache, chills, and sweating

Days 2 – 6

• Peak of symptoms
• Symptoms include restlessness, nausea, nervousness, irritability, anger, and nightmares
• Synthetic Marijuana cessation can cause seizures, chest pain, fainting, paranoia, and respiratory problems

Days 7 – 16

• Symptoms begin to taper off and dissipate after 2 weeks
• Psychological drug cravings may persist for months if left untreated by therapy

Treatment Options For Cannabinoid Detox

Most detox services last between 3 and 7 days, leaving some wondering how they’ll cope with their addiction afterward. Yet detox is only the first step of addiction treatment and should be followed up with inpatient or outpatient rehab and therapy. In one New Zealand study, more than half of people with an addiction to Synthetic Cannabinoids were referred to inpatient treatment. For many people, inpatient rehab is the best way to alter the motivations behind drug-seeking behavior as well as cravings. Most rehab centers offer detox as part of a more inclusive Substance Use Disorder (SUD) care program, and some charge separately for detox and rehab.

Most people who abuse Marijuana are hesitant to seek help for recovery, waiting until they suffer a legal consequence and are forced to detox.

For “heavy smokers” and those who abuse Cannabinoids daily, medically supervised detox can provide medications to ease painful withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone, a common addiction treatment medication, has been used to reduce cravings in some with withdrawal from Synthetic Cannabinoids.

Find Detox Services Today

For more information about Cannabinoid detox options, contact a treatment provider today.