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Cannabis withdrawals
Worried about cannabis withdrawals?
Learn how to manage your symptoms with specialist help from the caring team at Delamere wellness retreat
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Holistic approach to recovery
Personalised programmes
Flexible stays
24-hour care & support
Private luxury accommodation
What is cannabis addiction?
Cannabis is a widely used cannabinoid drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Of its 480 constituents, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is thought to be the ingredient that makes it psychoactive. When smoked or vaped, THC passes from the lungs through the bloodstream to all the organs of the body, including the brain. Here, it attaches to receptors responsible for pleasure, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement (1). Over time, this disrupts the brain’s chemistry. If a heavy user suddenly stops, this can lead to cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal is the body’s way of saying it can’t work properly because it has started to rely on cannabis to function. This manifests in various physical and psychological side effects which can be challenging and unpleasant. While physical withdrawal symptoms of cannabis may only last one to two weeks, the psychological impact on the brain can last months or even years without the correct treatment. It can be dangerous to withdraw from any drug alone and professional help should always be sought.
The drug addiction experts at Delamere wellness retreat take a holistic approach to managing the withdrawal symptoms of cannabis. We help our guests to break free from the cycle of cannabis addiction with a clinically supported drug detox and a range of specialist therapeutic techniques to heal body and mind.
If you think you may be addicted to cannabis or know someone who is, contact our team today and learn more about the different programmes we offer here at Delamere.
Signs and symptoms of cannabis withdrawal
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome is something that happens in people who have used cannabis heavily over several years. Regular cannabis use desensitises and downregulates the cannabinoid receptors in the brain which throws it out of balance.
Studies show that stopping suddenly can have negative effects on mood and behaviour, which become worse in people suffering from mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression (2). If you’re attempting to give up using cannabis, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional first.
Are you at a point where you have to take more cannabis to achieve the same ‘high’? Do you feel anxious when running low? Perhaps your behaviour is taking its toll on your relationships, work or family life. These are all tell-tale signs that you have developed a dependence and may experience withdrawal symptoms of cannabis when you try to stop.
Heavy cannabis users often suffer adverse side effects when they quit. While not life-threatening, this can be uncomfortable and may cause you to relapse. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms usually start within the first two days of abstinence and last for up to two weeks. One study suggests up to 40% of recreational users will experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms (3).
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms include:
Cravings
Irritability and mood swings
Sleep problems or nightmares
Sweating and shaking
Lack of appetite
Restlessness
Physical discomfort
Struggling with cannabis addiction? Talk to us today
Managing cannabis withdrawal symptoms
You’ve recognised you have a problem and decided to stop taking cannabis, which is the first step to success. It takes time to wean yourself physically, emotionally and psychologically off any drug, but there are ways to make the process easier. If you are struggling to manage cannabis withdrawal symptoms alone, remember there is help out there. At Delamere, we take a holistic approach to treating cannabis addiction, taking all aspects of your health into account.
Detox your body
As cannabis leaves your body (cannabis detox) you may suffer physical effects such as headaches and stomach pain. It’s important to gradually reduce the amount of cannabis in your system to manage the withdrawal symptoms effectively. Delamere can support you with a clinically assisted drug detox to reduce any unwelcome side effects and provide any complementary medication you might need, such as a smoking cessation aid.
Get enough exercise
Exercise is a potent activator of the endocannabinoid system and studies show it can therefore have positive effect on people suffering from cannabis use disorders. It can help to reduce cravings and manage stress as well as having a multitude of other health benefits (4). At Delamere, we have an on-site gym and personal trainer, surrounded by acres of woodland to support our guests during the cannabis withdrawal process.
Eat a well-balanced diet
Lack of appetite is a common complaint when suffering from cannabis withdrawal symptoms. This is because smoking or ingesting cannabis increases appetite by stimulating cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the brain (commonly known as ‘the munchies’) (5). Reversing this process can cause an imbalance. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water will help to reduce negative side effects and aid your recovery.
Build a good support network
Managing withdrawal symptoms from cannabis requires a great deal of support from friends, family and colleagues. Being able to speak openly and honestly with people about your challenges is a crucial part of your recovery. At Delamere, our holistic therapists offer a combination of one-to-one counselling and group therapy sessions to help you share your thoughts without judgement and develop supportive relationships.
The Delamere approach to cannabis withdrawal
Delamere is a purpose-built wellness retreat set in tranquil forest surroundings that provides the ideal place to relax, recharge and restore. Our holistic therapists are experts in treating cannabis addiction and are here to help you on your road to lasting abstinence. If cannabis has become a growing problem in your life, we can help.
We offer a range of residential rehab programmes using our signature three-step-approach, which treats cannabis use disorders using the latest evidence-based techniques. Most heavy cannabis users find that an initial drug detox helps them to safely and comfortably cope with withdrawal symptoms and to stop the initial cravings.
This is complemented by one-to-one counselling and group therapy sessions tailored to suit your needs. Our person-centred approach is designed to identify the reason for your cannabis addiction by looking deeper into your thoughts and behaviours. Using a range of psychotherapies and somatic healing experiences we will help you to develop the coping mechanisms to grow beyond addiction.
Our Stop Start Grow model is a refreshing approach to recovery and is what makes treatment at Delamere different.
We believe life after addiction should be abundant, so our programmes focus on addressing any underlying issues that underpin your addiction, helping you let go of the past and rewrite your future without addiction holding you back.
Start
Spend time with our therapists to discover what led you to this behaviour in the first place
Delamere treatment model
Our core elements of treatment
We believe that cannabis addiction, whether stemming from a need to relieve stress or forget troubles – stems from somewhere. Rather than adhering to the conventional step-based programmes, we look at underlying factors that drive your behaviour. Only by recognising how you arrived at this point can you begin to positively shape your future.
Stopping the cycle of addiction safely and comfortably
Healing whatever pain is causing the behaviour
Instilling tools to help facilitate change and encourage continued growth
Stopping the cycle of addiction or burnout safely and comfortably
Healing whatever
pain is causing
the behaviour
Instilling tools to help facilitate change and encourage continued growth
Why choose Delamere?
Holistic approach to recovery
Discreet location
Luxury ensuite accommodation
Personalised programmes
Flexible stays
24-hour care & support
On-site gym & health studio
Business & family lounges
Free collection service
Outcomes focused
Everything we do here is about outcomes. Focusing on getting you back to yourself again in the short term, but then growing beyond that when you leave Delamere. Helping you create the foundations for long-term recovery and growth.
Individual care
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. We listen, learn and tailor our programmes to meet your personal needs, whatever they may be. Your journey to recovery is yours, so we design our programmes with you in mind.
Creative therapies
Nature and creativity often bring out the best in people, especially after a difficult period in their life. We offer equine and art therapy, fire ceremonies, nature walks and more to help you relax, reflect and see the world in a new way.
Martin Preston, Founder & CEO at Delamere
Transformational stories
Suffering the side effects of cannabis?
We can help you overcome addiction and enjoy life without cannabis.
Discuss a stay with usKnow someone who needs help overcoming cannabis addiction?
If a friend, family member or work colleague is showing signs of cannabis addiction, it’s important they get help.
Our admissions team is on hand 24/7 to help answer any questions about our drug detox programmes and make sure your loved one gets the support they need.
Call the team today on 0330 111 2015 to discuss the different options available.
Source of information
- DEA.gov
- Bonnet, U., & Preuss, U. W. (2017). The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 8, 9–37.
- Coughlin L, Ilgen M, Jannausch M, Walton M, Bohnert K. Progression of cannabis withdrawal symptoms in people using medical cannabis for chronic pain. Addiction. 2021;116(8):2067-2075. doi:10.1111/add.15370.
- Brellenthin, A. G., & Koltyn, K. F. (2016). Exercise as an adjunctive treatment for cannabis use disorder. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 42(5), 481–489.
- Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2014). Marijuana and body weight. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 11(7-8), 50–54.
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