Being doubtful about your habit could make it difficult to quit, even if you know it’s the best decision for you. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It is easy to downplay or underestimate your own level of dependence on marijuana. Ask a friend or family member for an independent opinion of your use. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Surrounding yourself with a different group of people may help you realize the extent of your use. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Medical professionals who can help you include your primary care physician, a physician who specializes in drug addiction, a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, as well as a psychiatrist or psychologist. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your primary care physician may refer to an internist or other doctor that specializes in drug addiction. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You may additionally want to see a mental health professional to help you cope with the emotional aspects of quitting. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Be completely honest with your doctor(s) about your drug use. This can help her formulate the most effective treatment plan for you. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Take a list of any medications, vitamins, supplements or other illegal drugs that you are taking. Remember, your doctor is there to help you, so honesty is important. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Ask your doctor about different treatment options and educating yourself about marijuana use. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Expect your doctor to ask specific questions about your use, prior attempts to quit, withdrawal and your support system. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Chemical dependence treatment programs. These usually offer therapy sessions to cope with addiction and prevent relapse and can be in-patient, residential, or out-patient. Detoxification or withdrawal therapy. This option can help you quickly and safely stop smoking marijuana as an in-patient, residential patient, or out-patient. Counseling, which is also called talk therapy. This treatment can help you cope with drug cravings and suggests strategies to prevent relapse. Counseling may also help repair relationships damaged as a result of your use. Self-help groups, that often employ a 12-step method. A counselor or therapist can often help you find a local chapter of a relevant self-help group. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source A combination of these treatments may be the best way to quit your marijuana habit.
Be honest with your family and friends and ask them for support. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This can help show your commitment to quitting. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Ask your trusted friends and family members to attend doctor’s appointments or support groups with you. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Throw away or flush any marijuana you have remaining at your home or other location such as gym locker. Don’t think about the money you spent, but that you’re doing something for your health. Avoid the temptation of selling it, which is illegal. Delete the names of any dealers from your phone. This may mean limiting how much time you spend with certain friends, especially if they are dealers or users.
Avoid parties, bars, or other social settings where you know people are using. If you don’t want people to know why, simply say “I’m sorry but I already made other plans that day. ”[22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Spend time with friends who consume marijuana in a place where there is no temptation to use. You can ask your friends to not bring any pot with them because you’re trying to quit. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Continue seeing your doctors, attending support groups, and taking medication. This can help ensure that you stay drug-free. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If something is causing you discomfort or stress, speak to your medical health professionals to explore other options that may help you stay clean. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include: irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia or restlessness, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight. Secondary symptoms of withdrawal may include: stomach pain, sweating, shakiness, fever, chills, and headache. [29] X Research source You can control the symptoms of withdrawal through various methods including gradual reduction in use, or using medications such as lithium carbonate or bupropion. Be aware that there is only scant evidence on the psychopharmacological benefits of medications for marijuana withdrawal.
Call your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you realize you’ve relapsed. If you can’t get a hold of them, you can also seek emergency medical treatment at a local emergency room. [31] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can also speak to your sponsor, support group, or family for support if you relapse. They may be able to help you bridge the time until you can see your doctor. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In the United States, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug among different demographic groups. [34] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Increasing medical use and the legalization of consumption in some states has created the perception that marijuana is not risky. [35] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source The only approved form of medical marijuana in the United States is two pills that contain the chemical cannabinoids, which come in pill form and are still undergoing research. [36] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source There have not been sufficient studies of smoking marijuana for medical purposes to establish its efficacy. [37] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source
Persons who use marijuana have lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, decreased academic and career success and experience more relationship problems. [39] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source
Family history of addiction. Gender, men are more likely to become addicts. Mental health disorders Peer pressure. Unsupportive family or friends. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Taking other addictive drugs such as stimulants, painkillers or cocaine. [42] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Contracting a communicable disease such as an STD or HIV. Causing fatal accidents. Committing suicide. Creating problems in your family relationships or at work or school. Engender legal and financial problems. [44] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Short term effects of marijuana use include: altered senses and an impaired ability to move, think, problem-solve or remember details. [46] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Marijuana also presents long-term effects on the brain, especially in young people. These include: incapacitated thinking, memory and learning functions, and inhibit brain development. [47] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source It can also present problems with attention, organization, and planning. [48] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Create breathing problems similar to those of smokers, including lung cancer. Increase your heart rate and chance of heart attack. Cause disabilities in your unborn baby if you are pregnant. Cause hallucinations and paranoia, and exacerbate schizophrenia. [50] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Affect blood sugar, which could be dangerous for diabetics. Decrease your blood pressure. Increase eye pressure or dry out eyes. [51] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Marijuana can also increase the risk of bleeding when using certain medications including aspirin, anticoagulants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. [52] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
