Cannabis Isn't as Harmless as You Think: How to Quit When You've Had Enough
Have You Had Enough? Warning Signs and Solutions for Anyone Ready to Quit Cannabis
“It’s just cannabis, it’s not dangerous”… many people start out believing this, until, without realizing it, daily use has taken hold.
The truth is, cannabis isn’t as harmless as it seems, especially with heavy, continuous use. And once you reach a certain point, quitting “on your own” may not be as easy as you’d hoped. This article covers the warning signs, effective ways to quit, and what to do if you’ve tried and failed.
Warning Signs That It’s Time to Say “Enough”
- Using cannabis almost every day, or needing it to start the day or fall asleep
- Feeling irritable, stressed, or having nightmares when you go without it
- Growing apathetic, losing interest in doing anything (amotivational syndrome)
- Relationships, school, or work starting to fall apart
- Telling yourself “I can’t quit” or “I’ll quit later”
If several of these ring true for you, that’s a sign you’ve reached the point of “enough.”
The Best Way to Quit Cannabis: Quitting Completely
Quitting cannabis by “gradually cutting back” can actually feed the cycle of use again and carries a higher risk of failure.
Quitting cold turkey stops the brain’s intake of THC immediately. The body will go through withdrawal for about 7–10 days, but once you get through it, your system can begin restoring its balance more quickly.
Replace Cravings With New Habits
- Avoid the same situations, such as old friends or activities linked to past use
- Add new activities: exercise, cooking, reading
- Set daily goals, and reward yourself when you meet them
- Build a supportive circle, such as family or friends who don’t use substances
If You’ve Tried and Still Can’t Quit, What Should You Do?
Don’t blame yourself. For some people, quitting cannabis takes more than willpower alone. If you’ve tried to quit multiple times and failed, or withdrawal symptoms have been severe enough to send you back to use, this is the moment to consult a psychiatrist.
How Can a Psychiatrist Help You Quit Cannabis?
- Assess co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, that may be making it harder to quit.
- Arrange a safe withdrawal program.
- Prescribe appropriate medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and help the brain recover from THC exposure.
Medications Used to Support Quitting Cannabis (Under Psychiatric Supervision)
- Antidepressants: Many people with chronic cannabis use have underlying depression, or develop depression after stopping. Medications that adjust neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, can help reduce sadness and anxiety and increase motivation to quit.
- Anti-craving agents: While there is no single medication designed specifically to treat cannabis addiction, certain medications can help reduce the cycle of craving and use.
- Sedatives: Insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep are common during cannabis withdrawal. Non-addictive sleep medications can help restore a healthy sleep cycle.
- Mood stabilizers: For people who use cannabis alongside bipolar disorder or severe mood swings, these can help reduce irritability, obsessive thinking, and emotional instability during withdrawal.
Important notes:
- These medications should only be used after assessment by a psychiatrist.
- Never self-medicate or stop medication without consulting a doctor.
- Medication is only one part of the treatment process, and should be combined with psychotherapy and other recovery activities.
In summary, cannabis may look harmless to many people, but the damage from chronic use is heavier than it appears. If you feel you’ve lost control, or you’ve tried to quit on your own and failed, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals.
Contact Day One Rehabilitation Center, an addiction treatment center offering comprehensive, round-the-clock support to help you quit cannabis, with a team of psychiatrists and psychologists available 24 hours a day.
If you need help with addiction treatment for your child, contact Day One Rehabilitation Center for consultation and comprehensive care.
Phone: +66 64-645-5091, +66 64-645-5092 LINE: @dayone www.dayonerehabcenter.com Location: 99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand (only a 1-hour drive from Bangkok) Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QsirzwMjJ185K5oa7