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While some people debate whether marijuana is addictive or not, many former users have agreed that marijuana is indeed addictive, at least in a psychological way. And, while it may not be as dangerous as other drugs such as heroin or cocaine, marijuana still causes changes to the brain, so when someone tries to kick the habit after frequent use, they may experience marijuana withdrawal, which can lead to insomnia.
One of the most unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that people who quit marijuana experience is marijuana withdrawal insomnia. During this time, it can be very difficult to fall asleep or get proper sleep.
There currently aren’t any FDA-approved medications for treating marijuana addiction, but there is research being conducted, and certain medications have been tested that can help suppress the reported withdrawal symptoms of marijuana.
For example, a study published in Psychopharmacology (Berl) found that the combination of a cannabinoid agonist with lofexidine showed improved sleep and reduced cravings during marijuana withdrawal.
Can Treatment Help a User Cope with Marijuana Withdrawal Insomnia?
Exercising, eating right, and talking with a counselor can help you get through marijuana withdrawal.
The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal may vary from one person to another. The more addicted a person becomes to marijuana, the more probable it is that they will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
From the symptoms that have been reported, insomnia seems to be a big problem, and difficulty falling asleep or getting enough sleep can cause other health problems.
Getting treatment may help with insomnia. Some ways treatment can help may include:
- CBT-I: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or CBT-I is widely regarded as the first line of treatment for insomnia, the technique to try before medications and other potential options, because of its lack of risks and side effects.
- CBT-I is a specialized type of therapy that helps to reframe your thoughts and behaviors around sleep and teaches you healthy sleep techniques.
- Sleep Hygiene: Sleep hygiene refers to the practices that you follow on a daily and nightly basis that affect your sleep.
- This includes things like turning off screens an hour before bedtime, exercising daily but not too close to bedtime, setting an appropriate temperature and darkness level in your bedroom, and so on.
- Symptom-Specific Medications: When detoxing from marijuana, there are medications that may be helpful in reducing certain symptoms to allow you to feel more relaxed, and may have a sedating effect which can help you to get sleep.
- You might receive sleep medications too, although this isn’t common for marijuana withdrawal.
- Not all treatment centers may offer this, and it’s usually considered a last resort for someone with a history of substance use disorder, so it is best to visit a treatment center and find out what the options are for helping you cope with insomnia and other unpleasant symptoms, too.
- Counseling: Anxiety and restlessness due to overthinking can sometimes cause disturbed sleep patterns.
- If you originally started using marijuana to reduce anxiety or similar issues, you’re especially likely to experience these issues during your withdrawal.
- Counseling can help you cope with thoughts and feelings of confusion you may be experiencing, which can put your mind more at ease and help you sleep better.
- Diet Modifications: Improving eating habits can help improve sleep patterns.
- Some people overeat junk food to cope with withdrawal symptoms, but diets comprised mostly of junk foods can cause nutritional deficiencies and heavy blood sugar fluctuations, which can contribute to sleep interruptions.
- Treatment centers may offer an individual a meal plan they can follow based on their nutritional needs.
Most of the symptoms of withdrawal from marijuana will likely subside over a two week period. If insomnia continues to be a problem, a doctor may prescribe medication that can help you get the sleep you need. Depending on the treatment center you choose, there may be other options or methods used that can help you cope with insomnia.
Getting Help with Marijuana Withdrawal Insomnia and Other Symptoms
If you or a loved one has tried quitting marijuana smoking, only to return to using it again due to withdrawal symptoms, treatment for addiction may help.
To learn the options available for treating and coping with marijuana addiction and/or withdrawal, use the Addictions.com rehab directory to find a certified treatment center, or call
800-681-1058
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