Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms-Coming To Terms With Substance Dependence

The process of detoxification ,as in the case of any other substance abuse, depends largely on its potency.Marijuana addiction or what is commonly referred to as 'pot' smoking, has been medically and clinically known to be high on the list of addictive substances yet with very high success rates of de-addiction . Here is what makes the picture a little more cheerful. While long -term marijuana usage may lead to life-threatening medical condition including sudden cardiac failure, its de-addiction process in fact is less unpleasant and well within the ambit of an individual's will-power.

As in the case of any addiction the use of a certain drug inhabits the body and withdrawal largely depends on the amount or the frequency of usage. A rigorous detoxification plan would include changes at all levels- physical and mental. The reason being that once our body and mind is used to the drug-induced state of euphoria arising from the dopamine neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain ,the body's own manufacturing of the stress busters shuts down completely.Abstinence from the drug leads to 'disphoria' where the craving for the drug is simply the body's need to return to a certain level of the drug in its system.

The often held belief that marijuana is not a drug of abuse, should be shelved because it is clinically proven to be the opposite. Its withdrawal symptoms can be equally traumatic and an issue needing proper rehabilitation and societal support.Marijuana dependence is a scientifically recorded and factually supported study which says that it clearly emerges as an addiction which unless treated returns with a vengeance and causes severe health problems.A dependent is one who returns to the abuse in spite of knowing how lethal its effect can be and oses control over how much and how often one should use the drug. This should certainly send the alarm bells ringing!

A drug's withdrawal symptom is typically just the opposite of the effect the drug has on the system.To ascertain the level of withdrawal related conditions, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related conditions was carried out. It recorded with great clarity the withdrawal symptoms associated with abstention.

These symptoms are enumerated below-

• Receptors in the body look for marijuana molecules and on not finding them show symptoms such as stomach ache ,shakiness, chills and headaches.
• These symptoms begin typically a day after the last marijuana intake and wane by the sixth day of abstention.
• Those who took to marijuana usage due to severe or chronic pain that had not been treated medically feel the pain return with a vengeance.
• The weed has been commonly used to stimulate appetite .Its absence from the system would therefore induce just the opposite reaction. There is a dismal lack of appetite in all those kicking the habit.
• Irritability heightens because of withdrawal and the best way to handle it would be to exercise regularly to release endorphins in the body that are called our natural opium.
• Disturbance in the sleep pattern- With the growing anxiety of our body unable to get the required substance ,hyper- anxiety may set in with shaking and trembling of hands and inability to sleep.Mild physical exercise helps align the bio-chemical and hormonal cycles to kick into action thereby assisting the body to return to normalcy.
• Depression is a common side effect in cases of abstention arising simply from the fact that the drug itself is meant to be a mood enhancer. One expects severe to mild mood swings ,listlessness and inability to relax .Mild exercise and engaging in physical tasks produce the desired positive effect.

Numerous treatment options are available ,but the one that perhaps significantly affects the de-addiction,would be proper information. It is in the understanding of the impairment wherein lies the correct participation of the dependent . Counseling and support from the community as in the case of other cases of dependence treatment, goes a long way.

The more scientific and objective the approach ,the better the recovery. Though there are no known counter-dependence pharmacological medication which is proven to help ,what however is known is the amazing effect of positive community support.

Alternate therapies have worked wonders for many. Yoga, Acupressure ,Meditation and massage have proven to help the dependent overcome the pain and discomfort,by inducing controlled breathing, relaxing of the muscle and an overall feeling of well -being.

Equally important is the need to provide quality nutrition. Stock -up on favorite fresh foods and make an attempt to involve in activities to help steer clear of any access to the substance. Its only with the concerted help of the family ,friends and self-awareness that any de-addiction programmes can be successful.