How to stop taking cannabis safely

It’s estimated that around 30% of people who take cannabis have a disorder and around 9% become reliant on it or develop a cannabis addiction (1). People who regularly smoke or consume cannabis will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. These include having cravings, feeling irritable or anxious, eating and sleeping problems.

When you decide to stop taking cannabis, it’s important to do so safely. Waking up one morning and deciding to never smoke cannabis again could be dangerous if your body has become dependent on it.

Delamere provides a safe retreat for anyone looking to stop taking cannabis. We can make sure you have the right medical and nutritional support to quit cannabis with a drug detox during your residential stay with us. While withdrawing from cannabis doesn’t have the same life-threatening risks as some other drugs, the symptoms can be unpleasant and hard to manage alone. If you need help to stop taking cannabis, we can provide a caring and compassionate environment.

Identify your triggers for taking cannabis

Before you can stop taking cannabis, it’s good to work out why you’re using it and think about ways you could cut down. You may notice patterns in your behaviour. Are you always smoking cannabis with the same people or at the same time of day? Do certain circumstances make you take more cannabis, such as before or after a stressful event? These are known as your triggers.

At Delamere, we work with our guests to discover what people, places and situations are driving addictive behaviours and help people to manage these stress responses in healthier ways. We can help you to avoid high-risk situations and give you distraction techniques to enjoy a cannabis-free life.

Make a plan to stop taking cannabis

To commit to quitting, it sometimes helps to think about how cannabis is affecting your life and those around you. Are you always thinking about your next joint? Is smoking cannabis getting in the way of work or studies? What areas of your life would improve if you stopped taking cannabis? Many people who quit cannabis say it wasn’t as hard as they first thought. It’s all about getting the right support in place to see your goal through.

At Delamere, we use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help people overcome cannabis addiction. Part of the healing process involves visualising your life without cannabis and documenting your feelings before and during your recovery. We have a team of holistic therapists that provide one-to-one counselling and group therapy sessions to understand your motivations to stop taking cannabis and help you achieve your mission.

Prepare for a life free from cannabis

Think about what you’ll do instead of taking cannabis. Swapping unhealthy habits with positive ones can give you a sense of purpose and focus. You might rediscover things you once enjoyed, take up a new exercise or start interacting with old friends. Talk to people you can trust and build up a support network for your plan.

At Delamere, we actively encourage friends and family to join us on your journey. You’ll have the chance to take part in a wide range of activities in our care that nurture body, mind and spirit, from music therapy to country walks. We will help you to develop a personal future-proof plan for your recovery and support you with 12 months of aftercare to help you stay on the right path.