Cannabis detox
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Last Updated:
November 28th, 2023
Cannabis (also known as weed or marijuana) is the most commonly abused drug in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of people using it regularly. While some may be able to stop taking cannabis if they want to, many will have a physical dependence on the drug, which means that they can find it difficult to stop and will experience unpleasant cannabis withdrawal symptoms when they try. However, that doesn’t mean detoxing from cannabis is impossible.
At Sanctuary Lodge, our cannabis detox programmes have helped countless people to break free from their cannabis dependence and go on to lead happy, healthy and drug-free lives, and we are here to help you too.
What is cannabis detox?
Drug detox refers to a natural process where all traces of a dangerous or addictive substance are cleansed from your body. During a cannabis detox, all traces of THC, the active and addictive ingredient in cannabis, is removed from your body. THC detox is a crucial step in treating cannabis addiction as it helps you to break the physical dependence on the drug. Detoxing from cannabis is usually most successful when undergone at a professional rehab centre, where you can receive around-the-clock care and support from experienced medical professionals.
What are the benefits of detoxing from cannabis?
As well as breaking your physical dependence on cannabis, marijuana detox can also have a number of benefits for your physical and mental health. These include:
- Improved sleep
- Increased appetite
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved concentration and memory
- Increased energy levels
- Improved mental and emotional health
- Reduced risk of developing or exacerbating mental health issues
What happens during the cannabis detox process?
When you first enter Sanctuary Lodge for weed detox, you will first be given a full medical assessment by an experienced consultant psychiatrist. This is to ensure that you are physically and mentally well enough for weed detox or whether you need some extra support.
Once this is done, you will then begin a programme of cannabis detox tailored to your needs. During this time, you will be kept safe and comfortable as you go through weed withdrawal. This will vary in severity depending on factors such as your overall health, how much weed you use and how long you have been using it for.
What weed withdrawal symptoms do people experience?
In the past, it wasn’t generally recognised that cannabis caused withdrawal symptoms. Most scientists put that down to the increased strength of modern strains of marijuana, which have significantly higher THC content than the strains twenty years ago. THC is the addictive compound within the drug, and its higher content means an increased likelihood of developing cannabis withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug.
Physical weed withdrawal symptoms
The physical symptoms of marijuana withdrawal occur as a result of your body getting used to not having THC in its system. When you suddenly stop after a prolonged period of use, your body will feel like you’ve taken away something it needs. This causes THC withdrawal which will continue until you take the drug again or wait for it to be cleared from your system.
Some of the physical weed withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
- Insomnia
- Shakes
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
Psychological cannabis withdrawal symptoms
The psychological symptoms of cannabis withdrawal symptoms can be very unsettling. This aspect of recovery is often the most difficult, and pushing through until you get over these cannabis withdrawal symptoms can seem like a monumental task, but it is very possible with the right support and guidance.
Psychological symptoms of weed withdrawal include:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Nervousness
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Restlessness
While these weed withdrawal symptoms may sound daunting, don’t let it put you off cannabis detox. A programme at Sanctuary Lodge can help you through this difficult time. Our team of experienced medical professionals will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you are as comfortable and supported as possible.
A typical cannabis withdrawal timeline
The harshness and duration of your weed withdrawal symptoms will depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of your cannabis use, how long you have been using and your overall health. However, a typical cannabis detox timeline will usually look something like this:
- Days one to three: The onset of cannabis withdrawal usually comes within the first few days of abstinence from cannabis use.
- Days two to six: During these days, the withdrawal symptoms of weed will peak in the majority of people.
- Days four to fourteen: The length of time that a person continues to experience marijuana withdrawal symptoms will vary, but they will usually be finished within 14 days.
Most people will experience a mixture of physical and psychological weed withdrawal symptoms when they detox from cannabis. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s experience will be different, and some people may find that their symptoms are more psychological, while others may find the physical symptoms more difficult to cope with.
The benefits of detoxing from cannabis at Sanctuary Lodge
If you are considering cannabis detox, it is important to do so in a safe and comfortable environment. At Sanctuary Lodge, we provide our clients with everything they need to make their detox as smooth and stress-free as possible. Some of the benefits of detoxing from cannabis at Sanctuary Lodge include:
- Bespoke detox programmes: Our team of experienced medical and addiction professionals will create a tailor-made detox programme specifically for you to ensure that your individual needs are met.
- On-site nurse: To help you through the weed withdrawal symptoms, we have an on-site nurse who will keep you safe and comfortable.
- Consultant psychiatrist: You will be seen by our consultant psychiatrist both at the admissions stage and during cannabis detox, who will assess your progress and provide you with any additional support that you may need.
- Nineteen en-suite bedrooms: Our modern and comfortable bedrooms will provide you with a place to rest and relax during your stay.
- On-site gym: To help you through the cannabis withdrawal process, we have an on-site gym where you can take some time out to focus on your physical well-being.
To find out more about our facilities and our comprehensive weed detox programmes, get in touch with Sanctuary Lodge today. Our admissions team will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you take the first step on your journey to recovery.
Is detoxing from cannabis possible at home?
Home detox from many drugs is usually not advisable because they have potentially severe withdrawal symptoms. While cannabis withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, they are not usually life-threatening; cannabis is one substance that you may be able to detox from at home with the right support.
Undergoing cannabis detox at a professional detox centre like Sanctuary Lodge is always safer and will provide everything you need to stay the course and prevent relapse. However, if you are considering home detox from cannabis, it is important that you:
- Have a solid support network in place: This could include friends, family or a therapist. They will help you with weed withdrawal symptoms and provide you with the motivation to stay on track.
- Establish a clear plan of action: This should include things like what you will do if you experience cravings, how you will occupy your time and how you will deal with any difficult emotions that come up.
- Prepare your environment: This means getting rid of anything that could trigger a relapse, such as cannabis paraphernalia or contact details for dealers.
Common fears about cannabis detox
There are various fears that people have which prevent them from seeking the help they need. Many of these fears are unfounded or overblown, and we want to help dispel some of the myths about cannabis detox. Here are some of the most common fears we hear from clients, as well as the reality that you need to understand:
“The weed withdrawal symptoms will be painful or unbearable.”
While cannabis withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, they are not usually severe or life-threatening. The majority of people report feeling irritable, anxious and having trouble sleeping during the first few days after stopping use. These symptoms typically peak after only a few days and then start to improve.
“I won’t be able to cope without cannabis.”
This is a common fear but one that is completely unfounded. People have been detoxing from cannabis for years, and many go on to lead happy, healthy and successful lives without it. With the right support, you will be surprised at just how well you can cope without cannabis.
“I’m worried I’ll relapse.”
Relapse is always a possibility but it is important to understand that this is not a reflection of your strength of character or willpower. Relapse is a common part of recovery and often happens because people try to detox without professional help or support. At a cannabis detox centre, you will have all the guidance and support you need to prevent relapse.
What to do next
There is no better time than the present to start cannabis recovery. Get in touch with Sanctuary Lodge today and we can help you through the detox process, so you can start a new life free from the clutches of cannabis.