There’s a common misconception that marijuana and other forms of cannabis aren’t addictive substances. The reality is that many people have a highly unmanageable life due to their dependence on marijuana. It’s difficult to acknowledge that you have a problem with a substance, but it’s important to notice the signs. Understanding marijuana withdrawal symptoms is the first step towards regaining control of your life.
Why Do Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Happen?
The first thing to understand is that you can develop a dependence on any substance or action based on how the human brain works. Our brains are incredibly efficient and continuously evolving, and set up certain habits based on different triggers. This was very important for our ancestors because it told us to eat when hungry and drink when thirsty. Some neuroscientists refer to this as the habit loop, which consists of the following:
- Trigger
- Behavior
- Reward
For example, when you’re hungry, you eat food, and then you feel satisfied, so your brain makes a memory to do that again. The problem is that when we develop other triggers and use different behaviors, it’s a problem. This is the issue many people with an addiction to marijuana face because they turn to marijuana for different reasons. Whenever this trigger arises, you can begin to experience marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
What are the Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms?
Aside from the misconception that marijuana isn’t addictive, many believe that there’s no withdrawal from marijuana. Although marijuana doesn’t have the same harsh symptoms of withdrawal as alcohol or opiates, the symptoms are still present. The difference between marijuana and other substances is that the symptoms are mainly psychological. When you try to quit and experience a trigger, you begin to have various symptoms of psychological withdrawal.
During the withdrawal process, you can become highly irritable and have mood swings as well. This happens because your brain adapted to you dealing with negative emotions, boredom, and other situations with marijuana. Not only do you experience these symptoms, but your cravings to use the drug are extremely high. Your brain is doing everything in its power to get you to use the substance, and this is why many people can’t quit.
Getting Help for Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Far too many people try to quit using marijuana on their own, but the withdrawal symptoms are far too much to handle. This is why you need the help of a marijuana addiction treatment program in Los Angeles CA to help you get through the detox process. Although the marijuana withdrawal symptoms aren’t dangerous, they can keep you stuck in a perpetual cycle of relapse. Working with licensed professionals can help you overcome these symptoms and learn how to quit for good.
Overcoming your dependence on marijuana is far more than just no longer using the substance. It’s essential to determine the sources of your marijuana use by working with a therapist. Working with an addiction therapist will help you take a look at your past and present and see why you’re using it in the first place. From there, a therapist can help you to retrain your brain by developing new, healthy coping skills. Through addiction treatment, you’re going to find that there are incredible ways to manage your life without having to turn to any substances.