Table of contents:
- What is sakau marijuana?
- Signs and symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
- How to overcome marijuana withdrawal
Marijuana, aka cimeng or marijuana, is one of the most popular drugs in Indonesia. Even though it is considered "lighter" than other narcotics, marijuana can still be addictive if consumed regularly in large amounts, over a long period of time. If you have this, stopping using suddenly can make the wearer experience withdrawal symptoms of marijuana.
Reporting from Kompas, cases of drug and illegal drug abuse in Indonesia in 2015 nearly reached 6 million people. Furthermore, according to data from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), an estimated 50 people die every day due to narcotics abuse.
What you need to know, if you are a heavy marijuana user and want to quit completely, you may also experience withdrawal before the body is completely clean from marijuana addiction.
What is sakau marijuana?
Sakau, or withdrawal, aka withdrawal, is a body symptom that occurs as a result of sudden withdrawal of drug use, or due to a drastic drop in the drug dose at once. Cannabis withdrawal occurs in heavy marijuana users who are already in the addiction stage, who suddenly stop using, or experience a drastic drop in their dosage.
At least 50% of prolonged marijuana users will experience withdrawal symptoms. The active ingredient in the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa), THC, has a direct impact on brain chemistry. Over time, the brain will rely on marijuana to function normally.
The severity and duration of withdrawal from marijuana is influenced by how severely dependent a person is, and several other factors, including:
- Cannabis use period
- How to use marijuana (inhaled by the nose, smoking, or swallowed)
- The dosage each time you use marijuana
- Family history and genetics
- Medical and mental health factors
Signs and symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
People who are experiencing marijuana withdrawal usually experience a combination of emotional and physical symptoms. Emotional symptoms that usually occur are as follows:
- Irritability / mood swings
- Anxious and nervous
- Depression
- Restless
- Changes in sleep patterns (ex: insomnia, waking up in the middle of the night, nightmares, fatigue)
- Diet changes (decreased appetite and decreased body weight dramatically)
While the physical symptoms that are often experienced by people who are withdrawing marijuana are:
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Sweating
- Chills
- Cravings
- Fever
- Trembling
For most heavy marijuana users, withdrawal symptoms begin on the first day after stopping, and peak within 48-72 hours. Symptoms usually last two to three weeks. Sleep disturbances usually last more than 30 days.
In general, marijuana withdrawal is not life-threatening because the intensity of the signs and symptoms is lighter than other heavy-handed narcotics (such as heroin or cocaine). Even so, the withdrawal symptoms of marijuana can make users prone to relapse.
How to overcome marijuana withdrawal
Some people with mild marijuana addiction can quit on their own, as withdrawal symptoms go away over time. However, chronic users with strong psychological addictions may need the help of a rehabilitation facility to reach full awareness.
Getting a good night's sleep can be one of the most important factors to ensure a successful cleansing from marijuana. It may be difficult at first because sleeplessness is one of the most common withdrawal symptoms. Practicing healthy sleep can help patients cope with sleep disorders resulting from marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Some ways are: not consuming caffeine at night, having a clean and comfortable bed, avoiding alcohol and other drugs to help you sleep well, and avoiding environmental stimuli before bed (for example playing on your cellphone or computer).
Another option for heavy marijuana users if you want to quit without going into a withdrawal, is to reduce your use a little bit instead of quitting completely. Reduce the dose and frequency of use over a period of time. Reducing marijuana use allows the brain to slowly adjust to THC levels gradually, making withdrawal experiences easier to cope with.
