Which withdrawal symptoms occur with cannabis?

Withdrawal symptoms with cannabis occur when regular use suddenly ends. According to drugcom, they usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the last use and typically last up to a week, at most up to 14 days. This article explains which complaints are typical, how they can be classified and when support becomes important.

When the symptoms begin

According to drugcom, the symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after the last use. A calendar with the days since the last use helps to classify the complaints.

Typical symptoms

Drugcom names the following as common withdrawal symptoms after stopping, among others:

• inner restlessness and nervousness
• sleep disturbances and restless, confused dreams
• reduced appetite
• irritability up to aggression
• low mood and anxiety
• muscle tremors, sweating and raised body temperature
• gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• headaches

Several symptoms can occur at the same time. Drugcom describes them as signs of physical dependence, which is much milder than in opioid or alcohol dependence, and as a sign that the body readjusts after regular use. They usually do not pose a serious threat to health. If you are unsure, a doctor can clarify the complaints.

How long the symptoms last

According to drugcom, the complaints usually last up to a week, at most up to 14 days. This figure is a guide for planning. It does not mean that every person is free of complaints after one week. Another drugcom article gives three to four weeks as a rule for physical withdrawal and stresses that psychological dependence lasts longer. Anyone who wants to assess their own duration more precisely is best advised to discuss it with a doctor.

It is sensible to get support for the first few days. Keeping sleep, eating and daily routines stable makes the transition easier.

How strong the symptoms are

Withdrawal symptoms vary in strength from person to person. Some people barely notice anything, others experience the first few days as very stressful. According to BIÖG, on average almost every second person with regular use experiences withdrawal symptoms.

The strength says nothing about personal worth or willpower. If you notice that the complaints severely impair work or sleep, you should seek help earlier. According to drugcom, withdrawal symptoms are signs of physical dependence. The article How many users become dependent? explains how habituation and dependence are related.

When medical advice is important

If the symptoms are severe and do not improve, a doctor should be consulted. This also applies if sleep or eating is permanently disrupted or if anxiety increases significantly. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, the emergency number 112 is the right number. If you take medication, talk to your doctor before stopping.

People with existing mental illnesses should also consult a doctor before stopping.

Medical advice is especially important if you take medication, have a chronic illness, or are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen advises against cannabis use when planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A doctor can assess which approach fits your situation. If you are unsure about interactions with medication, it is also worth speaking to your pharmacy.

Help during the withdrawal

An addiction counselling service can plan and support the withdrawal. You can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline at 01806 313031. The offers are listed at sucht-und-drogen-hotline.de. If you try to stop alone, look for at least one person who is available in everyday life.

The article What happens when you stop using cannabis? describes further steps that can help when stopping.

Prevention after stopping

Drugcom points out that many people who want to stop feel a strong urge to use again in this phase, because psychological dependence can be very persistent. If you take the experience of the first week seriously, you can restructure your routines so that use takes up less space. This includes arrangements without cannabis, fixed sleep times and a plan for moments when the craving is strong. BIÖG points out that use can affect the development of young people. For them, protection from use remains especially important.

Organising daily life during withdrawal

The following suggestions are practical ideas without evidence of effectiveness. Fixed sleep times, even if sleep is restless, and regular meals, even if your appetite is missing, give the day structure.

A walk each day is one option. If you are very restless, do not overexert yourself and increase movement in small steps.

If you have work or training, you can discuss the situation with a trusted person at the workplace or school if the complaints significantly restrict everyday life. Appointments can often also be reduced in the first few days. This creates room for recovery. Breaks in which you can withdraw are part of this too, without having to feel guilty about it.

Also speak with the people you live with. If they know what is going on, they can be considerate, and you do not have to explain everything alone.

What you can do now

• Note the day of your last use and record the complaints daily.
• Organise support in your environment for the first few days.
• For severe or long-lasting complaints, seek medical advice.
• If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call the emergency number 112.

According to drugcom, withdrawal is unpleasant, but as a rule not life-threatening.