Marijuana detox at home is possible. However, medical supervision is still necessary to make it work. While it may seem convenient and less costly to detox at home, this option is still not ideal for everybody.
Marijuana is a source of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical that stimulates euphoria among its users. It is also known as a mind-altering substance since it tends to impair logical thinking with excessive use.
Despite warnings from experts, some people continue to overlook the potential risks that the drug can cause. This is also because not all users become dependent on it. However, the FDA still classifies it as a Schedule I controlled drug, which means it is highly addictive.
What Are The Effects of Using Marijuana
Chronic use of marijuana will typically lead to developing a Cannabis Use Disorder. This is a condition where a person struggles in separating themselves from the use of the substance despite the negative consequences it has caused in their daily lives.
They are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms once they cease to take their normal dose of the drug. Typically, users smoke or vape marijuana, while others resort to mixing it into their food and drinks.
High levels of THC in the brain disrupt certain activities which compromise coordination of movement and even the ability to focus and register ideas in the mind. This is the reason why some students struggle with academic tasks while athletes tend to perform poorly in sports.
Another sign of a disorder is the tendency to experience mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. When left untreated, these could lead to serious acts of self-harm or violence that can affect the people around. Other outcomes include nausea and vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and a rapid heart rate.
Apart from the health consequences, individuals with a Cannabis Use Disorder also become isolated from their responsibilities and relationships, and most of their time is fixed on the need to take hold of the drug.
Overall, it distorts the quality of a person’s life, and the right treatment always begins with a proper detox.
Is It Safe to Detox At Home?
Marijuana detox at home can be safe as long as it is guided by a medical expert and there is enough support at home that can help assist patients to go through the whole process.
Without aid at home, a struggling patient could resort to taking light doses of the substance just to get by. When this happens, detox needs to reset.
In the case of other substances, a fatal overdose is likely with withdrawal resets. Although this rarely happens with marijuana involved, this does not denote that it is safe.
To ensure safety, quitting cold turkey is never advisable for marijuana use. When the brain recognizes the absence of the substance, it reacts negatively and produces a surge of symptoms which can be extremely painful.
Since there are no FDA-approved medications that can aid in marijuana withdrawal, cutting off one’s usual doses gradually can help limit the number of symptoms that can be dealt with.
While over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat specific illnesses such as headaches and nausea, prescribed medicines are given to treat the psychological symptoms.
For instance, antidepressants and sleep aids, which require a doctor’s prescription, could be valuable during withdrawal.
Therapy is also an essential part of a detox treatment and this can progress more intensively as soon as one’s condition is stabilized. This is extremely helpful in limiting cravings, preventing relapse, and managing the psychological withdrawal symptoms.
The advancement of technology has now made therapy accessible at home through teletherapy. Although it could work, it may still have a few setbacks.
Why Detox in a Rehab Center
Even if detoxing at home can be safe, it is still not a viable option for everybody, most specifically for those with severe Cannabis Use Disorder.
The case is the same for those with pre-existing physical or psychological illnesses. The complications that could arise during detox are unknown, and people with vulnerable conditions are highly at risk.
The safest detox treatment for these individuals would be under rehab care. The round-the-clock monitoring is a great advantage to prevent complications from happening. In rehab care, there is immediate access to full medical support.
There are two major things to note during detox. First, medical supervision is necessary even if it is done at home. Second, detoxing alone is neither effective. Fending for oneself in a stressful situation can only cause major problems. Detoxing in a rehab center is better if nobody can assist the patient at home.
Tips For Detox At Home
When a person decides to take on their detox at home, the following tips are helpful:
- Shower with hot water. It helps soothe the pain in the body since it reduces inflammation and keeps blood flow smooth. This could be helpful for headaches and muscle cramps.
- Do light physical exercises. This increases the release of hormones that can boost physical strength as well as mental disposition. Limit intense workouts as they might trigger lightheadedness. Brisk walking, jogging, or swimming will do.
- Practice a mind exercise. Meditation in a quiet and breezy environment helps calm the mind. Yoga could also be a great form of mental exercise. It induces peace and relaxation.
- Eat right and healthy. Vegetables and fruits are great partners in giving the body a boost. Reducing caffeine intake helps decrease the strength of anxiety and restlessness. Meals with high sugar levels must also be avoided.
- Drink lots of water. This is important to avoid dehydration especially when there are episodes of vomiting during detox.
Apart from this, you also need to ensure that you have enough supplies of your medications at home so that there will be no chance of skipping them. And most importantly, always keep in touch with a health expert. Professional help is one of the major factors that lead to a successful detox.