Cannabis Detox Symptoms

The following information on cannabis detox treatment has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate information on cannabis detox symptoms can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

Effects of Cannabis                          

Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances in Britain. Cannabis is a sedative drug and short terms effects can include feeling relaxed, talkative, and becoming more aware of your senses. 

Research illustrates regular and long term use of cannabis is linked to increased risk of developing physical and mental health problems including anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychotic episodes. Worryingly the younger the onset of cannabis use, the greater the risk of mental illness in later life. Physical effects include high blood pressure and heart rate, respiratory problems, and reduced fertility in men. It can also affect concentration and can lead to a lack of motivation which may impact on studies or performance at work.

What are cannabis detox symptoms?

Regular and prolonged usage of cannabis can lead to cannabis detox symptoms being experienced in the absence of cannabis use.  This process of withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. Some cannabis detox symptoms can include sweating, shaking, diarrhoea, sleeplessness, raised anxiety, depression, auditory hallucinations or in extreme cases a psychotic episode in some people.

What is cannabis detox treatment?

Cannabis detox treatment refers to the process by which someone is helped to become completely substance free. Although there is not a formal medicated detox for cannabis, medication can be prescribed to help reduce anxiety, to help the person sleep and reduce other symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. The patterns of behaviour and psychological dependence on cannabis also need to be addressed for abstinence to be maintained. Therefore it is recommended that a cannabis detox treatment is following by a therapeutic programme which can include group therapy, one-to-one counselling and other types of activities such as diary keeping, reflection groups, educational workshops and relapse prevention classes. This type of treatment helps the individual in the early stage of their recovery to fully accept their dependence, understand the consequences that it has had on their lives and learn the skills needed to remain abstinent. 

When should someone seek cannabis detox treatment?

Anyone who has a problem with cannabis can benefit from residential cannabis detox and treatment.

The signs that someone has used cannabis include dilated pupils, uncontrollable laughter, suddenly having an increased appetite (known as the munchies), and strange sleeping patterns.

Whilst it often may be very clear to us that someone’s cannabis use has become a severe problem, the nature of addiction is to blame those around them and to engage in deceptive behaviours, therefore it can sometimes be hard to know when someone needs help.

Indications and warnings signs which may suggest someone needs cannabis detox treatment include:

  • Withdrawal symptoms  such as sweating, sleeplessness, raised anxiety, depression, auditory hallucinations or in extreme cases a psychotic episode when they do not use cannabis
  • The deterioration of their physical health and appearance
  • Noticeable changes to their normal behaviour and mood eg unreliability, keeping strange hours, and being secretive
  • Someone not being able to control the amount of drugs used or quit entirely when they honestly want to

If you are concerned that you or a loved one requires residential cannabis detox and treatment then call us.

Residential Cannabis detox options

A residential cannabis detox programme differs from other treatments in that it is more intensive. The residential aspect of the treatment means that the person is given some time away to really focus on getting themselves better, whilst in an environment where are given the appropriate support and treatment required to deal with cannabis detox symptoms and psychological dependence. There are a wide range of private residential clinics in the UK that offer immediate access to cannabis detox treatment.

It is possible to access private overseas services. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed help in the UK with limited success. By travelling overseas to access a cannabis rehab program, the person is completely removed from their problematic surroundings.

It is also possible to access free NHS services. Triage Healthcare can advise further on where to access free local support to those who cannot consider private treatment. Whilst it would clearly be preferable to receive free treatment for cannabis detox symptoms and cannabis addiction, it is important to remember that there is an imbalance between availability of addiction treatment in the NHS and the demand in the community. Therefore, there can often be long waiting lists involved when trying to access NHS cannabis detox treatment.

How long could Residential Cannabis detox take?

A minimum of 14 days is required for a residential cannabis detox in order to safely detox. Cannabis detox symptoms are most prevalent during this first 2 week period of withdrawal, but studies have shown that cannabis detox symptoms can still be experienced 28 days or longer following cessation (Kouri & Pope, 2000), therefore it is recommended that a minimum of 6 weeks treatment is accessed to provide the appropriate level of psychological treatment and support during this time to avoid relapse.

Cannabis detox aftercare support

A structured after-care programme is important for anyone with cannabis dependence, especially as recovery will require lifestyle and behavioural changes which can be challenging to maintain without support.

This support can be accessed through one-to-one counselling, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, and specialised doctor’s appointments to ascertain if additional care is required.  

How much does a private residential Cannabis detox cost?

The cost of private cannabis detox treatment can vary depending on the duration, clinic and amount of aftercare accessed. 

Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK. High quality free advice and information is provided to all, as well as best-value private treatment to individuals with a limited budget. If you arrange cannabis detox treatment through Triage Healthcare you will never pay more and in some cases you will pay less for residential treatment than by booking direct with a residential cannabis detox centre.

Where to find Cannabis Detox treatment Centers in the UK

Triage Healthcare provides immediate access to a wide range of cannabis detox treatment services throughout the UK and abroad. All of our workers and residential cannabis detox centres are registered with the appropriate professional bodies.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. Our aim at is to provide you with confidential and reliable advice regarding all areas of addiction. Our advice is all completely free and confidential. We can offer guidance towards the best treatment options based on your individual circumstances, budget and needs.

References

Kouri, E. M.; Pope Jr, H. G. (2000). "Abstinence symptoms during withdrawal from chronic marijuana use". Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology 8 (4): 483–492.