What to Expect From a Marijuana Detox Program in North Carolina

Marijuana is a mind-altering substance that is derived from the cannabis sativa plant. While marijuana is legal in some states for medicinal and recreational use, it remains illegal on a federal level. People often misuse this substance to experience a rush of euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, and calmness.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 52.5 million people reported using marijuana in 2021.[1]

While many people believe that marijuana is a harmless substance, it is possible to become addicted to it, and you can experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Marijuana withdrawal is not life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable and psychologically challenging, so it’s always best to seek help from a trusted marijuana detox center in North Carolina.

Does Marijuana Cause Withdrawal?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder.” Similarly, many users report experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop using marijuana or other THC products.[2]

If you or a loved one regularly abuses marijuana, it’s important to be aware of the withdrawal symptoms you could experience, which include:[3]

• Anxiety and irritability
• Anger or aggression
• Disturbed sleep or nightmares
• Depressed mood
• Lack of appetite
• Chills
• Headaches
• Stomach aches and pains
• Excessive sweating
• Feelings of tension

While the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal are not life-threatening, they can be incredibly difficult to cope with. Many people who attempt to overcome marijuana withdrawal on their own end up relapsing.

How Does Marijuana Detox Work in North Carolina?

Marijuana withdrawal usually begins within 24 hours of your last dose, lasting up to 3 weeks for heavy cannabis users.[3] Because the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal can last so long, it’s important to receive assistance from a medical detox program.

Marijuana detox centers in North Carolina can provide the comprehensive, supportive care individuals need to be successful throughout detoxification and beyond.

Assessment

Upon arrival, you will undergo an initial assessment. These assessments gather information about your mental and physical health as well as your marijuana abuse history. By gathering this information, the medical team can create an individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Medical Supervision

During treatment, you will be under 24/7 medical supervision. While marijuana withdrawal is not life-threatening, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms. The constant medical supervision is in place to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable throughout the entire process.

Typically, nurses and doctors will monitor your vital signs consistently. This includes monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body temperature.

Medications

In addition to constant medical supervision, you might be given medications to control the symptoms of withdrawal you are experiencing. While the FDA has not approved any medications to treat marijuana withdrawal, medications are given on a case-by-case basis to control your specific symptoms.[3]

Common medications used during marijuana detox in North Carolina include:

• Sleep medicines to control insomnia and nightmares
• Anti-nausea medications to prevent nausea and vomiting
• Antidepressants to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety

While North Carolina does not allow medical marijuana, you might have been abusing it to cope with symptoms of a mental or physical health condition. If this is the case, you will be given non-addictive alternatives to treat the condition you are struggling with.

Treatment Planning

Lastly, it is important to note that detox is only the first step in recovering from marijuana addiction. Reputable marijuana detox centers in North Carolina will facilitate treatment planning, such as a continuum of care to help you establish a strong foundation of recovery.

Your treatment plan may include inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, and even sober living programs to help ease the transition back into independent living. Having a full continuum of care will allow you to build the coping mechanisms and relapse prevention skills you need to maintain long-term sobriety from marijuana and other substances.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Marijuana Detox Center in North Carolina

Many people who struggle with marijuana addiction avoid attending treatment because they do not believe their substance use disorder is severe enough. However, this is simply not the case. Marijuana addiction can adversely impact your life in a variety of ways, making professional treatment vital to your safety and happiness.

When you struggle with marijuana addiction, the first step in recovery is always medical detox. Marijuana detox programs in North Carolina like Charlotte Detox Center can provide you with the treatment and support you need to begin your recovery journey.

To begin your recovery journey, please contact us today.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of cannabis use in the United States, Retrieved October 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Addiction (Marijuana or Cannabis Use Disorder), Retrieved October 2023 From https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/addiction.html
3. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal, Retrieved October 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110555/