Quit Smoking Pot

 

What To Expect

When withdrawing from marijuana it is common to experience difficulty sleeping. This can last for up to a week after your last use of the drug. (Other symptoms that can last this long are: irritability, headaches, aggression and anxiety). Some people will experience a return of these symptoms within 3-6 weeks after their last use. Be prepared for this possibility and remember that there is nothing wrong with you aside from lingering withdrawal symptoms that will go away if you continue to abstain from the drug.

 

Some people in this situation may consider using another drug, such as alcohol to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. This is not in your best interest, as alcohol in particular may help you to fall asleep, but will prevent you from staying asleep. In addition, using other drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms of marijuana will increase your chance of relapsing and beginning the process all over again. Being under the influence of any substance, even if it is not your drug-of-choice, lowers resistance to temptation and impairs judgment.  This can undermine your efforts to stay away from marijuana.

Melatonin is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that may be helpful. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and regulates the sleep cycle. Taken in low doses (.5 mg), about 30-60 minutes before bedtime can help you to fall asleep. Consult your doctor before taking this, or any supplement. Melatonin may produce adverse side-effects if taken in higher doses, and in people who have diabetes or hypoglycemia. Quick-release Melatonin is better for falling asleep than sustained-release. The sleep-inducing properties of Melatonin work better in the absence of light, so keep your room as dark as possible.

Deep breathing exercises may be another method of inducing sleep: Lie down in a comfortable position in your darkened room. Breathe in for a count of 5, imagining as you are doing so, that you are breathing in peace and relaxation. Hold the breath for a count of two, and then slowly release the breath for a count of 7. As you release your breath imagine that your stress, tension and worries are being released along with the breath. Feel the relief of the tension leaving your body. Complete for at least 12 repetitions.