The first few weeks after someone has quit smoking weed will usually the hardest. It’s often an uncomfortable mix of cravings and withdrawals symptoms—most of which are extremely hard to ignore. It’s safe to say that it normally takes a person 8 to 12 weeks of abstaining from weed before adjusting and being comfortable with their new lifestyle change.
While marijuana withdrawals are more subtle than withdrawals from other drugs, they’re very much real. They may not be life threatening, but they’re enough to make anyone break out in a cold sweat. One of the most common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal are hot flashes, appetite loss, increased anxiety, flu-like physical symptoms and night sweats. During the first few weeks of quitting, your body goes through tremendous changes which results to the discomfort people experience whenever they quit.
Most people who’ve quit smoking weed complain about having terrible hot flashes and night sweats. Such symptoms peak in intensity 3 to 5 days after you quit, and is often very difficult for people. If you’re wondering what you can do to ease the withdrawal symptoms, the easiest solution would be to consult your doctor. Your doctor can help you decide whether the use of over-the-counter prescription drugs could be of any help to your condition and they can also help you better understand why you’re experiencing such things.
Other common ways to relieve the discomfort of these symptoms include walking around and doing something that relaxes you. The cold air dries out the sweat while the act of walking helps get your blood flowing. Other people prefer taking cold showers, changing their clothes or simply drinking water to help the heat subside. Distract yourself to keep your mind off the stress and anxiety you’re feeling. You can express your thoughts in a journal or be productive by finding a new hobby—or en extra job you can work on during your free time. Finding something to do while you go through withdrawal really helps.
When experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to remain calm and not to panic. Always remember that marijuana withdrawals only last a few weeks and aren’t permanent. Since the sweating is a direct result of the anxiety you’re feeling from quitting weed, you must find a way to relax your mind. Meditation can help with this. It relaxes both mind and body, after all.
Knowing what to do whenever withdrawal symptoms strike will help you remain calm throughout the experience and will lessen the stress you feel. Sharing your thoughts and burdens to your family and friends can also relieve you of your anxiety and help you cope with your withdrawals. You can seek advice and ask for help whenever you’re in need by having a solid support group to talk to.
When it comes down to it, coping with marijuana withdrawal symptoms is indeed a challenge for anyone quitting the drug. But always remember that these are all temporary and that you’re quitting for a reason.