It all started when I decided to quit cold turkey. Then I realized….

Many controlled substances (ex. alcohol, cigarettes, benzodiazepines, marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, opioids, etc.) usually starts out with just one pill, drink or a puff at a party -or- occasional use to unwind at night. Unfortunately, this occasional use can spiral into a daily habit. Once the body has exposure to a new chemical like this, it becomes difficult to feel “normal” unless it is in the system. This is what “dependence” feels like.

Unfortunately, when you try to stop using controlled substances, there’s a pretty good risk of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, stomach problems, night sweats, body aches, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. You can weather this storm, but it starts with knowing what to expect and when the symptoms of withdrawal will end.

For example, anxiety, gastric symptoms, insomia and night sweats may last as long as it takes for your body to reach a state of balance. This lasts weeks for some people, and months for others depending on their metabolism, how frequently a substance is used , and one’s overall health. Night sweats happen because the body metabolizes and eliminate the chemical (i.e., THC within marijuana, which normally gets stored in the fat cells. It turns out that THC interacts with the endocannibinoid system which plays a role in temperature regulation - and this is what makes one get warmer at night).

Wondering whether you are already having some symptoms of withdrawal? Some of these are common, even for those who just smoke marijuana:

• Digestive upset including nausea, stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting - versus diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea from Cannabinnoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

• Reduced appetite

• Headaches

• Sore, achy muscles

• Increased heart rate

• Tremors

• Intense cravings for marijuana or other drugs

• Difficulty concentrating

• Troubles falling asleep and other sleep problems

• Vivid and disturbing dreams

• Irritability

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Mood swings

In addition to these more common withdrawal symptoms, some people experience very high blood pressure, dehydration, delusions or psychosis, especially for people who have a genetic predisposition to certain psychiatric disorders.

In most cases, withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening (except for benzodiazepines, alcohol, SSRI/SNRI and Soma), but should thoughts of self-harm occur, please reach out immediately for mental health support.

NORTH SHORE OSTEOPATHIC is here to provide you symtom management, encouragement, and a soft place to land when you are ready to make that leap of faith that you may be better off without less-than-optimal self-management options (i.e., destructive behaviours, inconsistently bioactive supplements, incorrectly prescribed medications, or just occasional overuse).

Now perhaps the controlled substance has some positive effects? We get it….BUT Let’s talk about what symptoms you are trying to control.

Let us evaluate you to ensure that those symptoms are not indicative of something more concerning.

Then let us work together with you so as to find some other options that may be more appropriate and effective to treat what ails you.

Our Team will strive to meet you where you are, target the issues at hand, and be a steadfast lighthouse to guide you back to a safe harbour. We will continue to be a dynamic resource as well as a trustworthy safe haven for as long as you need us.