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

Many controlled substance (ex. alcohol, cigarettes, benzodiazepines, marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, opioids, etc.) use started out as just as ‘just occasionally’. Unfortunately, for some this can spiral into a daily habit that no longer allows the body to feel “normal” unless it has that chemical in the system. This is “dependence”.

If you try to abruptly stop using… there’s a pretty good chance that you will experience withdrawal. You can weather this storm, but it starts with knowing what to expect and when the symptoms of withdrawal will end. Most importantly - it is important that you understand that withdrawal from some substances is a dangerous time.

Anxiety, gastric symptoms, insomia and night sweats may last as long as it takes for your body to reach a state of balance - which may be 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 can also happen when the body breaks down and eliminates the chemical. For example, the THC within marijuana is stored in fat cells - but as it gets released with exercise or stress, the THC interacts with the endocannibinoid system and raises the body’s temperature at night (when the body goes through it normal restoration phase).

Wondering whether you are already having some symptoms of withdrawal? Here are the typical symptoms you should watch out for:

• 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 what you are using does have 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.