Effectiveness of Marijuana in Managing Alcohol Withdrawal
If you have ever gone through the process of alcohol withdrawal, you may know that it has a reputation for being one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome on one’s way to achieving sobriety. If you have seen someone else go through it, you might have an idea about the harshness of its effects. Many who have been there before or who struggle with addiction call the process of going through withdrawal, “drying out.”
Although the average length of withdrawal depends on the individual and the severity of their alcohol abuse, many report that it averages around one week. To put it simply, the withdrawal process is grueling and can even be dangerous; that’s why there are tried and true methods of managing these symptoms safely, and you are encouraged to seek medical care or monitoring immediately in the instance that you are experiencing symptoms. Professionals also encourage the support and assistance of a trusted family member, friend, or support network. Many share that having the emotional support and surveillance of others eases the process, but some may prefer some level of privacy.
Common Symptoms Associated With Alcohol Withdrawal
People who consume excessive amounts of alcohol over an extended period will develop tolerance to it and become dependent on it, so they continue drinking. When these people suddenly stop drinking, their brains are no longer exposed to alcohol and go into a state of panic, leading to extreme agitation, anxiety, confusion, tremors, and even seizures. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be among the most dangerous of all withdrawal symptoms from any substance, including opiates, sedatives, or cocaine. Physicians who diagnose and treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal agree that certain symptoms are consistently present. They see people experiencing alcohol with headaches, insomnia, fatigue, mood changes, gastrointestinal disturbances, heart palpitations, hyperthermia, rapid abnormal breathing, and hallucinations, as well. The most severe symptom is referred to as delirium tremens.
Life-Threatening Symptoms
While you are likely familiar with the feeling of headaches, anxiety, insomnia, tiredness, grouchiness, and more, you may be unfamiliar with the terms hyperthermia and delirium tremens. Hyperthermia is another term for “overheating.”
Delirium tremens manifests as a cluster of symptoms indicative of psychosis, which often includes hallucinations, profuse sweating, disorientation, anxiety, and severe shaking.
If you are experiencing symptoms that seem like delirium tremens based on this description, it is urgent and in your best interest to seek medical attention. While severe symptoms are rare, it is generally well-advised to seek formal help to avoid death and other serious consequences. Such reactions are more common in males who are 40 years of age or older. If these symptoms are not common to you and you have recently stopped ingesting alcohol or are recovering from a night out, you are likely experiencing something like the above description of delirium tremens. You will most likely experience this between three and seven days after the last alcoholic beverage you ingested.
Physical & Behavioral Observations of Alcohol Withdrawal
It can be difficult to determine whether you are in a state of alcohol withdrawal (from the inside out), especially if you are experiencing symptoms of psychosis. This is when, if a medical professional is not readily available, you can ask a friend or family member if it looks like the description of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
If you are a friend or family member of someone you think is experiencing alcohol withdrawal, then you have the right idea. Imagine seeing a friend sweating so profusely that beads of sweat drip down their forehead and hearing vibrations in their voice as they shake. These symptoms are obvious, but some people may try to hide it. Paranoia and emotional instability are signs that the sufferer often does not see within themselves, so it is good to know these signs if you have a friend or family member who manages substance use disorder.
Effective Treatments of Alcohol Withdrawal
Physicians rely on a multitude of options in managing clients’ withdrawal symptoms. Some of these options include benzodiazepines (e.g., Librium, Valium, Lorazepam, and Oxazepam), barbiturates, and propofol. A relatively new option that physicians less commonly prescribe is marijuana. Some may find marijuana and its natural medicinal qualities as a preferred treatment (in states that have legalized marijuana). Here are some professional, as well as non-professional opinions, related to the efficacy of marijuana in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
You may be familiar with marijuana’s effectiveness in managing side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, chronic pain, seizures, and insomnia. As both medical and recreational marijuana become more widely accepted and legalized, people are finding increasingly effective practical applications of the drug. It contains cannabinoids that act on our cannabis receptors. Its positive effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system are found to be a primary factor in its effectiveness.
Research Related to Marijuana’s Effectiveness in Managing Alcohol Withdrawal
In 2014, The Journal of Neuroscience released a study indicating that because cannabinoids can act as protective barriers for the nervous system, using cannabinoid treatments might aid in averting brain damage caused by withdrawal. Outcomes show that cannabinoids protect neural cells from cell death during that “drying out” period of alcohol withdrawal. Whereas many cells would die from the withdrawal of alcohol from the body, cannabinoids protect the cells from dying. In contrast, introducing a cannabinoid antagonist causes an accelerated death of neurons during alcohol withdrawal.
This research is new and is most relevant to progressive doctors, so it might be helpful to consider looking for the “cool” doctor or a doctor with whom you have built a strong, trusting relationship. Many clients would benefit from medical marijuana if it were legalized in their state, but only a few with the right factors will receive those benefits. As legalization becomes more widespread and attitudes become more positive, the chances that this will be a valid option for you are more likely as well.
Previous Personal Experience and Risks
Suppose you or someone else has used marijuana in the past and found it to be effective in managing symptoms of anxiety. In that case, it may help manage similar symptoms that occur during alcohol withdrawal. In some, however, it may also have the opposite effect. Many experience increased feelings of anxiety and more with marijuana use.
Naturally, some risks accompany marijuana use, such as the development of dependency on the drug. Some have found that marijuana impairs one’s driving ability and can cause issues with performance, motivation, and one’s overall ability to function. Long-term use, especially, may pose risks to your overall health. The last outcome you would want is a motor vehicle accident or a decline in your overall health and well-being. Consider some of these aspects of marijuana use to assist you in determining (with the help of a professional) whether you or someone else would respond positively or negatively to the drug during the withdrawal process.
Reported Experiences of Marijuana Use in Managing Alcohol Withdrawal
People who have gone through the process of using marijuana to manage their withdrawal share mixed positive and negative experiences. Although professionals weighing in on the topic encourage use only with medical supervision, others who have used it to get through withdrawal report that it’s helpful in tandem with other accessible, at-home aids, such as warm baths and chocolate. This is all anecdotal, however. You may find that it is a common search topic in online forums. Even more common, are questions surrounding the utilization of marijuana in managing other alcohol addictions in the long term.
Effective Strains
Again, experts advise that you only use marijuana to manage your symptoms of withdrawal with the permission (where required) and supervision of a medical professional, but there are a few strains known to be more effective than others at treating certain symptoms. Granddaddy Purple and Jack Herer are well-known for their effectiveness in helping individuals manage anxiety. People experiencing issues with mood as it relates to alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal report success with Blue Dream, Glass Slipper, Frank’s Gift, Pineapple Kush, Harley Mandala, and Haze Auto.
Whether you are surrounded by supportive friends and family or braving the process on your own, alcohol withdrawal is a complicated and possibly risky state that demands cautious handling. Even though conventional medicines like benzodiazepines are frequently employed to address withdrawal symptoms, there is increasing curiosity about the potential of marijuana to ease these symptoms.
While some research indicates that marijuana could help manage withdrawal symptoms, keep in mind that it is somewhat of a risky bet. For that reason, it is essential to completely grasp its safety and efficacy so that, when the time comes, you feel prepared and comfortable. Consider any legal and ethical factors that may be involved, and may you move forward with a positive mindset toward your own or another’s recovery. If you need additional help, give our team at Alcohol Awareness a call today. Our hotline can help you find support groups and other resources related to conquering alcoholism.