If you are enabling addicts, quotes about addiction recovery can help you put things in perspective and help you make the changes needed to protect your own well-being. Substance abuse impacts more than the person engaging in drug abuse or alcohol addiction. It can impact the mental health of loved ones, family members, and close friends – the enablers.

A Joint Commission-accredited recovery center like Catalina Behavioral Health can help a recovering person get the help they need. But your friend is better off in the long run when you learn to stop enabling their behaviors.

Our addiction recovery quotes can inspire you to make the changes you need to be a stronger support system for your loved one without enabling.

16 Drug Addiction Recovery Quotes to Avoid Enabling Family Members

These quotes can help you reflect and make changes. When you stop enabling, you will be better able to encourage your special person to enter a substance use disorder treatment program.

1) “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson’s words remind us that we find our true inner strength and resilience when we dig deep within. Recovery means focusing on internal growth during the recovery journey. This quote encourages honest self-reflection as the person works to seek inner truth in rehab.

2) “What is addiction, really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.” Alice Miller

Miller’s quote discusses addiction as a distress signal being broadcast to the world. Understanding this can help family and friends provide compassionate support without enabling.

Remembering this can be crucial to helping those take those steps to lasting recovery and help prevent a relapse after treatment.

3) “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Henry Ford

Ford discusses the power of a positive mindset in recovery. Encouraging belief in one’s ability to heal helps them believe they can start a new life. Those who support them can reinforce hope rather than express doubt.

4) “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain

Twain’s wisdom reminds us that recovery begins when someone finds the inner courage to take a single step toward overcoming substance abuse. Overcoming the early hesitation and making small changes underpin progress.

5) “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Chinese Proverb

Chinese wisdom explains the importance of persistence in recovery. The first step, asking for help, is the foundation for long-term healing.

6) “Addiction’s not about placating the bad dog—it’s about feeding the good dog.” Robert Downey Jr.

Downey Jr. suggests the importance of focusing on positive habits rather than merely resisting harmful ones. Showing support without enabling can encourage healthy coping mechanisms and offer relief from addiction.

7) “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” Japanese Proverb

This proverb shows how drug addiction recovery isn’t linear. Setbacks can – and often do – happen, but the key is getting back up afterward.

8) “If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.” Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Sáenz’s quote shows how consistency helps create lasting changes. Each sober day is proof of possibility, and loved ones can frame restored mental wellness as small, achievable victories.

9) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

This wisdom from Gandhi reminds us that service and purpose can be powerful in recovery. With drugs, the pleasure gradually diminishes. But serving others is just a way of reclaiming control and lasting gratitude.

10) “In all codependent relationships, the rescuer needs the victim as much as the victim needs the rescuer.” Barbara De Angelis

De Angelis warns families and enablers about the dangers of codependency.

It’s helpful to know that setting boundaries means allowing addicts to take responsibility for their own healing instead of always stepping in to rescue them.

11) “The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others.” Carl Rogers

People facing mental health challenges, including dual diagnosis, may not like accepting responsibility for their behaviors.

Anyone with drug or alcohol use behaviors get a much-needed nudge when families stop serving as the scapegoat for their loved one.

12) “Practicing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential to your well-being.” Unknown

The entire process of dealing with addiction in the family, from the initial drug seeking behaviors until getting help, can be exhausting to loved ones. Taking care of yourself is more than helping you feel good; it’s also a good way to stay strong.

13) “You can overcome the things that are done to you, but you cannot escape the things that are part of you.” Megan K. Stack

Some behaviors come from trauma, past events too awful for the brain to process. While you cannot move backward in time to regain control of the past, people in therapy learn to make the trauma less controlling over their lives.

14) “One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery.” Demi Lovato

Lovato has famously dealt with several mental health issues and has openly shared about her life. This quote describes how addicts must accept they’re worth saving – a sentiment you can reinforce without enabling the behaviors.

15) “First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald struggled with alcohol use. He understood how the associated behaviors can compound, leading to a continuously worsening condition.

Helping your loved one understand this without enabling can be a tricky task. But it’s one worth considering.

16) “I understood, through rehab, things about creating characters. I understood that creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.” Samuel L. Jackson

Jackson was able to use his rehabilitation experiences to pour into his work. Following his advice offers a pathway to self-awareness that’s rare for an addict. But you can weigh whether the information he shares can help you with your enabling behaviors.

Why It’s Important to Avoid Enabling the Recovering Addict

Enabling behaviors often come from a place of love. But those good intentions can really just prolong a person’s drug addiction by providing the person facing challenges with a safety net that enables the destructive cycle.

It’s especially common to see this situation occur in parents of adult children, who have learned their folks will come through no matter what. They use that information to manipulate and get their way.

It can feel cruel, at first, to set and enforce boundaries to avoid enabling. However, you encourage accountability and self-sufficiency for the struggling person when you choose to make stronger boundaries.

Helping your loved one actually takes stepping back from behaviors that shield them from reality. Instead, you’ll start guiding them toward professional treatment and sustainable recovery.

Using Inspirational Quotes to Support Yourself and Your Loved One

Choosing drug addiction quotes to read every day can help you overcome all the challenges that come your way during your loved one’s recovery. They can provide you with motivation as you overcome the pain of loving someone with mental illnesses and addiction diseases.

As you continue to advocate for getting professional addiction treatment, you’ll read words that offer hope that the person struggling will continue to more in the right direction.

If your loved one feels ready to face their addiction, call Catalina today.

A high-functioning addict is a person who struggles with substance abuse but still manages to hide the extent of the drug and alcohol use from others. They appear to colleagues, peers, or family members as the “life of the party,” with few suspecting their inner turmoil.

In fact, it is because they do maintain seemingly normal lives – going to work or school and able to maintain relationships – that nobody realizes they have a substance use disorder.

Our staff at Catalina Behavioral Health has worked with many high-functioning addicts, helping them cease their drug use or alcohol addiction. It’s not uncommon for those with a functional addiction to seek help only after something motivates them to do so.

Most of the time a high functioning addict doesn’t exactly hit rock bottom; rather, they receive DUI charges, fail a work drug test, or have some other severe consequences that raise the bottom. Our Joint Commission-accredited drug and alcohol treatment center can help them with breaking free of addictive substances when these negative consequences happen.

If your loved one is a substance abuser who remains high-functioning, we encourage you to keep reading. You’ll start recognizing the telltale signs that a high-functioning addict really does need professional help.

Defining Functional Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol

A functioning addict has a substance use disorder but can manage to maintain many daily responsibilities in life. Despite the hidden struggle with drugs or alcohol. they may have good job performance, handle day-to-day tasks, and thrive in social settings.

From an outward appearance, they are in control. But if they’d drop the mask, the world would see the truth. They lead a double life, with substance abuse hidden away from the world. Because they have a high ability to function, drug or alcohol abuse can be hard to recognize.

Trigger Alert: Functional Addict Is a Colloquial Term, Not a Diagnosis

When referring to “addict” on this page, we are solely describing a pattern of hidden substance use behavior. “Functioning drug addict” is a colloquial term. It’s not a clinical diagnosis. We do not use it to judge, demean, or define a person’s worth.

Recognizing the Signs of a High-Functioning Addict

Just because the functional addict has managed to abuse substances and hide it from the world, it doesn’t mean they haven’t developed a physical and psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol. It just means high-functioning addicts may hide the problem better than most.

Loved ones simply are not understanding or recognizing the signs of a high-functioning drug or alcohol addiction.

These are some mental and physical symptoms and behaviors common in functional addiction:

• Good performance in their professional lives
• Seemingly healthy family relationships and love lives
• Shifts in behavior or energy that seem out of character but are explained away
• Mood swings, even in a person generally considered easy-going
• Minimizing or joking about the substance abuse when asked by concerned friends or family members
• Highly intelligent people who rarely forget things start having moments of memory loss
• Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain
• Mild neglect of personal health, including poor sleep, weight fluctuations, and frequent illnesses
• Self-isolation from close family or friends
• Broken promises, especially if they’ve been reliable in the past
• Defensive responses when confronted about alcohol or drug abuse
• Taking out-of-character risks, such as driving while intoxicated
• Unexplained financial problems, even though they have a great career
• Developing tolerance – needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using alcohol or drugs

Loved ones are often the first to notice these emotional and physical signs of a high-functioning addict. But what’s discussed behind closed doors is sometimes not enough to compel the functional addict to seek professional guidance.

The Myth of Hitting Rock Bottom

The high-functioning addict may know they’re struggling with addiction but believes they must hit rock bottom before they try to get better. But that is an extremely dangerous myth.

Waiting for rock bottom can lead to utterly devastating consequences: job loss, severe physical symptoms, damaged relationships, or overdoses. These can be avoided with earlier intervention for the alcohol abuse or drug addiction.

The fact is that anyone can reach out to learn about their addiction treatment options at any stage of the illness. Nobody needs to wait until they’ve lost everything; everyone deserves to receive addiction recovery. Don’t let your loved one fall into the “rock bottom” trap.

Co-occurring Disorders and Drug and Alcohol Use

High-functioning addicts may have a problem with abusing drugs or alcohol along with another mental health issue. You’ll hear mental health professionals call this co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. These are important terms to remember. Here’s why:

When highly functioning addicts have an additional mental health challenge, their mental health professionals must take a highly comprehensive approach. Restoring their well-being means treating the addiction and the second complication simultaneously.

Think about a time you got a good-sized cut scrape on your knee. To prevent infection, you washed the wound with antibacterial soap and then covered it with a bandage to keep it clean. If you only cleaned it without the bandage, bacteria could enter the wound. But if you bandaged it without washing it, you’d trap in bacteria. It takes BOTH actions to decrease the chances of an infected wound.

Now, apply that same logic to specialized treatment for the high-functioning drug addict. Successful recovery demands treatment for the drug or alcohol addiction and the other mental health concerns.

Breaking Free with Proven Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment of drugs or alcohol addiction is no different for a functioning addict than for anyone else. The label “high-functioning drug addict” doesn’t mean the person doesn’t need treatment. Any addiction can escalate to a severe addiction that puts them at increased risk of additional consequences.

Outpatient Care Is a Likely Solution for Less Problematic Drug Use

For many high-functioning addicts, outpatient treatment (either a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program) is a practical but nevertheless effective solution. It allows the person to receive professional help while continuing to keep up with the responsibilities of daily life.

Outpatient treatment offers high-functioning addicts the opportunity to receive the tools for long-term recovery and build health-supportive habits.

Medically-Supervised Detox to Cease Alcohol or Drug Use

The high-functioning drug addict should not attempt to quit alcohol or drugs at home. Quitting “cold turkey,” or the abrupt cessation of substance abuse, can lead to such severe withdrawal symptoms that it can mean extreme sickness or, in the very worst outcomes, death.

The high tolerance developed throughout drug and alcohol use means the person’s brain expects to feed the addiction constantly. When that doesn’t happen, withdrawal symptoms occur; this situation can happen quickly, sometimes within a few short hours. Many clients have turned to our addiction treatment center for detox after bad experiences at home, usually relapsing within a day due to feeling sick while detoxing in isolation.

In medical detox, our specially trained healthcare workers monitor your mental, emotional, and physical symptoms around the clock. Like other clients, high-functioning addicts may receive prescription medications to ease the pains of withdrawal. It’s especially likely when attending detox for opioid or alcohol abuse.

Therapists Help Reduce Stress and Change Negative Thinking

High-functioning addicted individuals tend to say they drink only to kick back and manage stress. Substance abuse is not a healthy way for most people to relieve stress. Using drugs and drinking alcohol regularly to self-medicate can lead to a higher risk of developing additional diseases.

Our licensed therapists give clients and their families the necessary tools to beat the addiction. They assist with addressing unhealthy coping methods and equip them with new, healthier ways to look at themselves and the world. Once the person has developed a more balanced outlook on life and stress-coping tools, they are better able to avoid alcohol or drug abuse.

The result of this effort is a more fulfilling life for the high-functioning addict and their loved ones. Clients spend a significant portion of their time working with an individual therapist, with occasional family support.

Peer Support – Another Key Component of Addiction Treatment

Besides traditional psychotherapy and behavioral health services, clients at Catalina participate in peer group therapy. These programs let high-functioning addicts join their recovery center peers to learn more about the reasons behind their substance abuse. They complete various activities, such as:

• Writing autobiographies or personal narratives and reading them to each other
• Writing strategies and plans for preventing relapse
• Using emotion wheels to identify and discuss emotions
• Role-playing difficult conversations
• Identifying triggers and coping skills to deal with them

The group therapy setting allows the high-functioning addict to put the knowledge discovered in individual/family therapy into use in a simulated environment. It helps them learn how to apply the tools of lasting recovery.

Community Support Groups After Treatment

While we’re discussing peer support, it’s also worth mentioning the value of local support groups in the community. Seeking 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, or the more scientific approach ofSMART Recovery, can help the high-functioning addict continue to avoid the temptation of substance abuse.

Those who have completed a more formalized drug and alcohol treatment program often enjoy these groups. The meetings provide a comfortable, familiar environment with the feel of peer groups. The main difference is that community group leaders are usually not treatment professionals but compassionate volunteers. The support comes from others who have a firsthand understanding of alcohol and drug use.

Health Insurance Covers Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

You might wonder if your loved one’s insurance plan will cover the costs associated with treatment for high-functioning addiction. The answer lies in whether they have a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder, per the DSM-5 manual. Under the Affordable Care Act, mental health disorders, including addiction, are covered.

If your loved one has already been diagnosed with addiction or a related mental health condition, our admissions team calls the insurance company to obtain pre-determination of benefits, ensuring they know the costs before starting therapy.

Sometimes, a high-functioning addict may not be currently diagnosed with a drug and alcohol use disorder. In that case, they should call Catalina Behavioral Health to take the next step. We can provide a professional evaluation, determining if the signs of a high-functioning addict meet the criteria of the formal addiction diagnosis.

With that confirmation, insurance is required to cover the mental and physical treatment expenses of addiction. Let our team go to work calling the insurance carrier.

We work with top insurers, accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, TRICARE, and many others.

Hallie Was a High-Functioning Addict Who Found Hope at Catalina

‘Hallie’s’ friends and family laughed about her heavy drinking. Instead of admitting she was a high-functioning addict, they described her as lively and glorified her risk-taking. That ended the night she got a DWI after swerving into a utility pole. Despite minor injuries, it was a wake-up call for Hallie and her family.

Because she was a first-time offender, Hallie was ordered to get treatment for her addiction by the Pima County Drug Court. Hallie’s high-functioning addiction fortunately meant she had good medical coverage to apply to her treatment costs. The outpatient treatment center at Catalina allowed her to work to keep her insurance and receive addiction treatment after working hours.

Hallie’s therapist helped her discover that her addiction came from trauma. She had been mercilessly bullied throughout childhood, so much so that she used drugs and drank during her junior year of high school to fit in with the older kids. Hanging out with seniors offered her some protection from the bullies.

The drinking became more problematic, but Hallie managed it throughout her college career. Now, as a young woman with a stable job, she was forced to admit to being a high-functioning addict. After detox, Hallie’s therapists worked with her to reverse her negative self-talk and build her self-esteem.

She returned to drug court after completing addiction therapy; the judge dismissed her charges and offered a firm warning not to return. Hallie now has the tools for lasting sobriety and continues to excel in her career.

Call Catalina to Get Support for Ending High Function Drug Abuse

A high-functioning drug addict is at a higher risk of developing additional mental or physical illnesses. If you have noticed your loved one drinking or using drugs heavily to manage stress while somehow still balancing responsibilities, they need help to stop.

You or your loved one deserves to live a life without alcohol or drugs. Call Catalina Behavioral Health today to get help.

You’ve finally made the big decision to quit marijuana once and for all, but it may not be as easy as mind over matter. Many people are surprised to learn about the strange side effects of quitting weed, such as weed withdrawal nightmares. Marijuana affects the brain by interacting with cannabinoid receptors and altering neurotransmitters like anandamide, dopamine, and serotonin, which play key roles in sleep and mood. What are they, and how do you make them stop?

Weed withdrawal nightmares occur because your body returns to a REM sleep cycle without weed to influence your sleeping habits. Quitting marijuana can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nightmares. You dream more and often find those dreams more vivid and intense.

This is due to the rebound effect, where stopping marijuana use leads to an increase in REM sleep and more vivid or disturbing dreams. Possible treatment options include therapeutic and medical help, managing bedtime anxiety, and creating a bedtime routine.

Many people use marijuana to help with sleep or anxiety, but some continue using cannabis to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Catalina Behavioral Health knows how uncomfortable these early days of sobriety can be. That’s why we offer care at every level so that we can help you rest and heal. And it may help to know that risk factors such as starting marijuana use at an early age or having underlying mental health conditions can increase the likelihood of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about how vivid dreams can impact you shortly after quitting weed.

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms and Vivid Dreams

Unfortunately, sleep might not be forthcoming immediately upon quitting weed. Quitting marijuana can lead to sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and disturbed sleep cycles. Many people rely upon the drug to relax them enough to slip beneath the surface of their sleep but quitting disrupts patterns that you may have become accustomed to. However, that isn’t the only issue.

When you do eventually fall asleep in cannabis withdrawal syndrome, you likely experience vivid dreams that feel incredibly real upon waking. Sleep disturbance and sleep disruption are common during cannabis withdrawal, often resulting in poor sleep quality.

Some people have a hard time differentiating between dreams and reality when they wake up. This can be disorienting at best and worrisome at worst. These symptoms can significantly affect a person’s ability to get restful sleep and function during the day.

Physical signs of withdrawal, such as night sweats, stomach pain, and shakiness, are also common. Night sweats often occur alongside sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances during cannabis withdrawal can last for several weeks, and the severity of withdrawal symptoms typically peaks within 2-6 days after quitting.

But what causes these intense dreams when you give up a marijuana addiction?

The REM Sleep Cycle and Disturbing Dreams

According to the University of Michigan, the issue is that your marijuana use has hindered your body’s ability to enter into REM sleep. Marijuana suppresses REM sleep cycles, and when you stop using it, a rebound effect occurs, leading to an increase in REM sleep. When you try to head to bed without smoking weed, that REM sleep comes back to you in full force.

After a long absence, it can stimulate this sleep cycle and result in an improved ability to dream. This rebound REM sleep often causes strange dreams and vivid and intense dreams, which are common during cannabis withdrawal.

Not only do you suddenly start to dream more, but those dreams may be far more realistic and worrying than you have had in the past. Many people don’t dream of positive things anymore. Instead, it shifts to troublesome scenarios and anxiety-producing nightmares.

For most people, these vivid dreams and nightmares are temporary and subside within a few weeks to a month as the brain recalibrates, though nightmares may last for three weeks or more depending on your usage patterns and withdrawal severity.

The question is: what can you do about it if you’re tired of having those vivid nightmares if you want to stay sober and continue with cannabis withdrawal?

How to Mitigate Intense Dreams from Marijuana Withdrawal

Bizarre dreams are one of the most common symptoms of the withdrawal phase of cannabis use disorder. Other forms of therapy and intervention, such as behavioral and pharmacological treatments, may be considered for managing sleep disturbances.

Using cannabis or smoking pot to self-medicate sleep problems can lead to dependency and may worsen withdrawal symptoms. But bad dreams night after night limit a person’s ability to find true rest at night. Their uncomfortable symptoms might make them more anxious in daily routines and irritable from lack of sleep. Sleep disturbances can persist for at least two weeks or more after stopping cannabis, especially for heavy users.

Fortunately, you can do a few things to limit the likelihood of nightmares disrupting your sleep.

Get Help to Fall Asleep

Scary dreams might make it nearly impossible for you to drift off each night. Insomnia is likely due to worrying about what you’ll experience when you’re unconscious. Not to mention, insomnia is a well-known issue associated with weed withdrawal symptoms.

You should consult a medical provider if you think that you could use some help with your sleep cycle. A trained therapist may be able to refer you to a doctor specializing in this area with a non-habit-forming medication that helps you fall asleep and potentially stay there without dreaming.

It may not be a long-term solution, but it’s a good option right now to help you stay sober and get the rest you need to focus on other aspects of your treatment. You can always taper off this medication as your dreams fall back in line with what is normal for you.

These symptoms usually last about three weeks. It’s not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used for diagnosis but is prominent nonetheless.

Manage Anxiety Around Bedtime

Once you fall into the cycle of not sleeping in anticipation of vivid dreams, you might experience more anxiety as bedtime rolls around. In turn, this anxiety hinders your ability to fall asleep. Meanwhile, the anxiety also colors the types of dreams you’re prone to have in the few hours of shuteye you grab.

To minimize your anxiety around bedtime, think about the type of content you consume. Maybe you should think twice about watching that true crime television show or find a different time of day to watch the local news if you find it stress-inducing.

If all else fails and natural remedies don’t work, consider that you may need to seek professional help to get your anxiety under control. Keep in mind that you don’t want to continue self-medicating anxiety with weed.

Create a Bedtime Routine

Getting REM sleep is crucial for the body to function at its best. One way to set yourself up for success is to have a clearly defined bedtime routine you follow every night. This could mean that you light a candle and enjoy the flame for a little while. Maybe you make a gratitude list, pray, meditate, or journal.

Choose small items that bring comfort to you and are simple to put in place. The more barriers there are to activating your routine, the less likely you will be to stick with it. Sustainable practices will help you get through the evening hours.

As long as you’re following this routine, you are also less likely to return to marijuana use because it simply isn’t a part of the routine.

Learn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

When you’re introduced to treatment for cannabis cessation, one of the treatment modalities a clinician might start with is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapeutic modality is designed to help you interrupt thoughts and feelings before they lead to actions. Why is it so important if you’re having these vivid dreams and nightmares?

Upon waking up from one of these dreams, your heart might be racing, and you want relief from the stress of the dream. It could be tempting to turn back to drug use, knowing that it gave you a solid night of sleep and lowered your overall anxiety.

CBT gives you the framework to think differently about your situation. You can wake up, take stock of your feelings, and then make a conscious decision to continue quitting weed.

Catalina Behavioral Health takes this approach alongside others to give you the tools needed to get past cannabis use once and for all.

Monitor for More Serious Withdrawal Symptoms

While nightmares tend to be the most common symptom of quitting weed, that isn’t to say that they are the only thing that could disrupt your sleep. For many people, insomnia plagues them until their body is used to unwinding without the pharmaceutical help of cannabis.

In rare cases, you may also experience psychosis in withdrawal. It is challenging to identify the difference between psychosis and a very vivid dream when you wake up.

This is why a sub-acute detox for cannabis is often the best move for clients who want to be on the safe side when quitting weed.

Effective Detox and Recovery Support for Cannabis Withdrawal

What does effective detox and recovery from cannabis withdrawal really look like for you? The positive news is that overcoming withdrawal goes far beyond simply stopping your cannabis use. When you’re dealing with those vivid dreams, nightmares, and sleep difficulties, you’ll find hope in taking a holistic approach that addresses your body, mind, and emotions together.

Your effective detox plan can combine the medical support you deserve with therapeutic interventions, ensuring you have the tools to manage those uncomfortable symptoms and reduce your risk of relapse.

Can Medications Help Manage Weed Withdrawal Symptoms?

In some cases, you may find that medications such as lithium or nitrazepam can help ease your symptoms and improve your sleep. Alongside any medication, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management can help you develop the healthy coping strategies you need, manage your anxiety, and stay motivated throughout your personal recovery journey.

What’s important for you to remember is that your detox isn’t only about getting cannabis out of your system: it’s about building a foundation for the lasting change you’re seeking.

With the right support and a comprehensive plan designed for you, you can navigate the challenges of cannabis withdrawal, including those vivid dreams and nightmares, and move toward the restful sleep and better well-being you deserve.

Staying Motivated and Focused in Recovery from Weed Abuse

Maintaining motivation and focus throughout the cannabis withdrawal process presents unique clinical challenges, particularly when anxiety, stress, and withdrawal manifestations create what can feel like overwhelming daily obstacles.

Establishing solid goal-setting milestones and acknowledging incremental progress markers can serve as powerful therapeutic tools to maintain treatment adherence and provide tangible reminders of your recovery journey’s advancement.

Providing Coping Tools and Support for Cannabis Cessation

At Catalina, we help by implementing clinically-proven stress management and anxiety reduction techniques, which are also a critical component of successful withdrawal management.

Daily support can come in the form of structured physical activity, therapeutic creative engagement, or meaningful social connection, and can provide essential coping mechanisms designed specifically to redirect focus from craving episodes and negative thought patterns.

It’s important to understand that experiencing difficult periods is a normal part of the withdrawal process, but surrounding yourself with positive environmental influences and maintaining focus on measurable progress can significantly impact your treatment outcomes.

Professional support networks, whether through family systems, peer groups, or structured recovery programs, can substantially enhance motivation levels and provide the accountability framework essential for long-term success.

By maintaining active engagement with these support structures, you’ll find yourself better equipped to navigate the complexities of cannabis withdrawal while keeping your therapeutic goals at the forefront of your recovery process.

Get Support to Put Down Cannabis and Sleep Better Today

Are you ready to start getting a full night of sleep without those pesky nightmares keeping you awake with a pounding heart and excessive sweating? Catalina Behavioral Health knows how challenging it can be to give up marijuana and walk through those early days of recovery and sobriety, which is why we offer help at every level of care.

You can start in our program with a sub-acute detox, where we will make you comfortable, keep you safe, and prevent you from returning to weed when uncomfortable symptoms arise. From here, you can move to residential treatment and intensive outpatient as it fits your needs.

Our enrollment team can answer all of your questions about quitting weed and enrolling in our program. Call us today to ask questions and verify your insurance benefits so that we can reserve a spot for you!

FAQs on Nightmares When You Stop Smoking Weed or Consuming Marijuana

References

1. University of Michigan. (2021, January 14). How to sleep if you’re trying to quit weed . Michigan Medicine.
2. Connor, J. P., Stjepanović, D., Budney, A. J., Le Foll, B., & Hall, W. D. (2022). Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 117(7), 2075–2095.
3. Hesse, M., & Thylstrup, B. (2013). Time-course of the DSM-5 cannabis withdrawal symptoms in poly-substance abusers. BMC psychiatry, 13, 258.
4. Bidwell, L. C., Sznitman, S. R., Martin-Willett, R., & Hitchcock, L. H. (2024). Daily associations with cannabis use and sleep quality in anxious cannabis users. Behavioral sleep medicine, 22(2), 150–167.

Some people report lingering next-day effects after cannabis use, especially after higher doses, edible products, or use alongside alcohol or other substances.

People may describe this informally as a “weed hangover,” but symptoms and duration can vary widely from person to person.

For many people, mild effects improve within hours, while others may notice residual fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, or mental fog into the next day.

Keep reading to learn more about what to expect and when to reach out to Catalina for additional support.

What is a Weed Hangover?

People sometimes use the phrase “weed hangover” to describe lingering effects after cannabis use, such as feeling tired, unfocused, nauseated, or dehydrated the next day.

These effects may be more noticeable after high-THC products, large doses, edible cannabis, or cannabis use combined with alcohol or other substances.

Because product strength, metabolism, sleep, food intake, and tolerance all vary, there is no single timeline that applies to everyone.

Weed Hangover Symptoms

Possible next-day effects after cannabis use may include headache, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, mental fog, trouble concentrating, restlessness, or disrupted sleep.

These symptoms are not specific to one formal diagnosis and may overlap with residual intoxication effects, poor sleep, dehydration, co-use of alcohol, or cannabis withdrawal symptoms in people who use heavily or frequently.

The timing of cannabis effects depends heavily on how it is used. Inhaled cannabis usually has a faster onset and shorter duration than edible products, while edibles can take longer to begin working and may last much longer.

Some people notice mild residual effects into the next day, especially after higher doses, high-THC products, or edible use.

Are Weed Hangovers as Intense as Alcohol Hangovers?

Many people describe next-day cannabis effects as different from alcohol hangovers and, in some cases, less physically severe.

That said, cannabis can still impair concentration, reaction time, coordination, and judgment, and some people may feel significantly unwell depending on the product, dose, and whether other substances were involved.

Factors That Affect the Intensity of Weed Hangover Symptoms

The onset, length, and symptoms of a marijuana hangover depend on factors like marijuana smoking habits, the cannabis strains consumed, THC content, consumption method, and overall physical health. Whether a person takes other substances or drinks alcohol with weed use also increases the risk of a hangover.

How to Manage a Weed Hangover

If symptoms are mild, supportive self-care may help while the effects wear off. Focus on rest, fluids, light meals, and avoiding additional cannabis, alcohol, or other substances.

Some adults may choose an over-the-counter pain reliever for a headache, but these products should only be used as directed and may not be safe for everyone.

Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual for you.

Supporting Your Body with Hydration and Nutrition

Eating a balanced meal and drinking plenty of water can make all the difference in supporting your body through a weed hangover. Nutrient-dense foods will replenish nutrients, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide energy.

Drinking plenty of water is also important, particularly because marijuana causes dry mouth and dehydration. Electrolyte-rich beverages can also help reverse the diuretic and dehydrating effects of cannabis products. 

Rest and Relaxation

Getting adequate rest when recovering from marijuana use can help relieve some cannabis-related negative consequences like brain fog while you wait out the symptoms of a cannabis hangover. If you are struggling with insomnia or feel restless, try relaxing activities like taking a bath or shower with hot water, deep breathing, calm music, or meditation.

Light Physical Activity

Being physically active might seem like the last thing you want to do when recovering from excessive cannabis consumption. However, yoga, stretching, or a short walk can help pump blood through your body and chase away mental fog and boost energy levels. It also produces endorphins, which are beneficial for your mood.

Can Medication Fix a Cannabis Hangover?

You can take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen for body aches or Tylenol for headaches. However, you should take these medications as prescribed or indicated on the label if OTC. If you are worried about medication interactions, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.

Try Some Tea

Some people find warm fluids such as tea soothing when they feel nauseated or unsettled.

Ginger may help some people with nausea, but responses vary, and it should not be treated as a substitute for medical care if symptoms are significant.

Preventing Weed Hangovers

The most reliable way to avoid next-day cannabis effects is not to use cannabis.

For people who do use it, risk may be lower when they avoid large doses, avoid combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances, pay attention to product strength, and give edible products time to take effect before taking more.

What if I Have a Hard Time Abstaining from Marijuana?

If cutting back or stopping cannabis feels difficult, that does not mean you have failed.

Some people develop cannabis use disorder, especially when use becomes frequent or begins at a younger age.

Signs can include using more than intended, difficulty cutting down, cravings, and continued use despite problems at work, school, home, or in relationships.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Use and Abuse

Treatment may be helpful when cannabis use is affecting daily functioning, mental health, work, school, motivation, or relationships.

Depending on the person’s needs, care may include assessment, therapy, structured outpatient treatment, residential inpatient treatment, or treatment for co-occurring mental health concerns, and support with reducing or stopping use.

For some heavy or frequent users, a professionally supervised evaluation for detox can help determine the safest and most appropriate next steps.

Reach Out to Catalina to Discuss Treatment Options Today

Not sure whether your cannabis use is occasional, problematic, or part of a larger mental health concern?

Our team can help you understand your options, answer questions about treatment, and verify insurance benefits.

FAQs on Marijuana Hangovers and Effective Remedies

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 15). Cannabis and brain health. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/brain-health.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 5). Understanding your risk for cannabis use disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-use-disorder.html

Kelly, B. F., & Patel, D. R. (2023). Cannabinoid toxicity. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482175/

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, September 24). Cannabis (marijuana). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana

Patel, J., Marwaha, R., & Lippmann, S. (2024). Cannabis use disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538131/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, August 14). Acetaminophen. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/acetaminophen

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, August 5). Dehydration: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000982.htm Yale Medicine. (n.d.). Cannabis/marijuana use disorder. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/marijuana-use-disorder

If you have been a heavy user of marijuana, currently quitting weed, first let us congratulate you on making a wise decision and one well worth pursuing for your overall health and happiness.

But now, you may be coping with cannabis withdrawal symptoms and ask, does marijuana cause night sweats? Night sweats are not as well-known as other symptoms, but managing them might require the help of a medical detox specialist.

Sweating during marijuana withdrawal is linked to the body’s disrupted thermoregulation system and the nervous system’s recalibration. Psychological symptoms are also common, involving changes in the brain and central nervous system.

Catalina Behavioral Health can support you during every phase of your recovery journey, starting with a safe medical detox. Our team can guide you through the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and provide counseling, guidance, and medical assistance. Seeking support is important for managing the impact of withdrawal on daily life.

Our entire team at our Tucson office specializes in treating substance abuse and related mental health disorders.

Learn how you can stop smoking weed comfortably and safely by choosing the help of treatment professionals who can help you experience a safe and effective recovery process.

What Causes Cannabis Withdrawal Night Sweats?

It’s not uncommon to experience night sweats during withdrawal from marijuana, but it still seems to be an infrequently discussed topic. If you’re trying to quit marijuana, know that you’re not alone in these symptoms.

So, what causes night sweats when withdrawing from marijuana abuse? When someone suddenly stops smoking cannabis, the body starts to eliminate tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the marijuana’s psychoactive compound. The process often leads to excessive sweating, especially at night, when body temperature naturally increases to facilitate the body’s sleep cycle.

Managing night sweats professionally is important. The situation leads to temporary sleep loss. When you experience difficulty sleeping, it can cause mood swings. That can lead to less resolve to stay clean and sober. A professional detox center will keep you safe and comfortable during THC withdrawal.

Marijuana use can have adverse effects, including negative impacts on the brain, central nervous system, and daily life. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain, and prolonged use can desensitize these receptors. THC can also interact with the hypothalamus and temporarily reset the body’s thermostat, causing sweating. The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in thermoregulation and neural balance, and chronic marijuana use can disrupt this system.

The Endocannabinoid System: How Marijuana Affects Your Body’s Regulation

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network within your body that helps regulate essential functions like mood, appetite, sleep, and, crucially, body temperature.

When you use marijuana, the active compounds in cannabis interact with the ECS, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors, altering the way your body maintains balance. This interaction can bring about the desired effects of marijuana, such as relaxation or pain relief, but it also sets the stage for withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug.

Regular marijuana use can cause your body to adapt to the presence of THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Over time, this adaptation can lead to dependence, meaning your body relies on marijuana to maintain its internal equilibrium.

When you quit smoking weed or using it in other forms, your ECS must readjust, which can trigger a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Many marijuana users report excessive sweating and night sweats during withdrawal, as the body’s temperature regulation is temporarily disrupted. This is a direct result of the ECS struggling to regain its natural balance without the influence of THC.

Do People Experience Withdrawal Effects from Marijuana Differently?

Withdrawal symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some may experience only mild discomfort, while others face significant challenges such as insomnia, stomach pains, mood swings, and anxiety. Psychological symptoms like vivid or disturbing dreams and nightmares from weed withdrawal are also common, as the brain’s chemistry recalibrates. These symptoms can be distressing, but it’s important to remember that they are usually part of a temporary phase as your body adjusts.

Individual factors play a big role in the severity and duration of marijuana withdrawal. Light users or those with a faster metabolism may notice only mild symptoms, while heavy or long-term users might experience more intense and prolonged effects. Your overall health, frequency of marijuana use, and even your unique body chemistry all influence how you experience withdrawal.

In some cases, symptoms like profuse sweating or severe insomnia can lead to dehydration or other health concerns. If you find yourself struggling with severe symptoms or if you’re worried about your health, it’s essential to seek medical attention from a licensed physician or healthcare provider.

A medical professional can help you manage both the physical and psychological symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.

Small Steps to Take When Quitting Marijuana Can Add Up to a Big Difference

Support is available, and you don’t have to go through withdrawal alone. Reaching out to friends, family, or a support group can make a significant difference. Engaging in physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or gentle exercise, can help your body recover and reduce uncomfortable symptoms. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also ease anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Remember, marijuana withdrawal is a temporary phase. With the right support and guidance, your body’s endocannabinoid system will gradually return to its natural state, and symptoms like night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances will subside.

By understanding how marijuana affects your body’s regulation and taking proactive steps to care for your health, you can successfully navigate withdrawal and move forward toward lasting recovery.

What are Other Common Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms?

During marijuana withdrawal, night sweats may not be the only challenge. Other common withdrawal symptoms that may occur as your body adjusts to the lack of cannabis use include restlessness, tremors, fever, and abdominal pain.

Collectively, these physical and psychological symptoms are called Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome, a term recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Most physical symptoms of withdrawal, including night sweats, typically peak between day 2 and day 10 after cessation.

Most physical symptoms usually subside within a month or two as the body adjusts, but in severe cases or for heavy users, night sweats can last for several weeks and may persist for up to six months. In severe cases, professional intervention may be required.

Psychological Symptoms of the Marijuana Withdrawal Process

Here are some of the possible psychological and emotional symptoms of weed withdrawal:

• Irritability and sharp mood swings
• Angry outbursts
• Restlessness
• Developing depression or low mood
• Sleep disturbances or sleep disorders
• Nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Vivid and disturbing dreams
• Decreased appetite
• Strong urges or craving for smoking pot again

The battle with addiction doesn’t end the moment you stop smoking marijuana. These psychological symptoms arise from your street marijuana or medical cannabis dependency and can be very challenging to endure.

In particular, weed withdrawal nightmares and a lack of sleep have often led to relapse for clients we have helped overcome cannabis dependency at Catalina.

Physical Symptoms of Marijuana Withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can be physical as well as the psychological addiction symptoms listed above. These are physical reactions to withdrawal and may include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and digestive issues
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains
• Excessive sweating
• Shakiness or tremors
• Chills due to disturbances in temperature regulation
• Night sweats (as we’ve already covered)

In rare cases, night sweats can be a prodromal symptom of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) following chronic heavy use of marijuana. CHS is characterized by early morning nausea, abdominal discomfort, and sweating, and it may progress to intense cyclical vomiting. Severe dehydration can result from excessive sweating during withdrawal, so monitoring fluid intake is important.

Weed is indeed legal in Arizona. Still, marijuana addiction is a considerable problem, and cannabis abuse can cause physical dependence, making it hard to quit.

When Do Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Start and Finish?

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms usually start within 24 to 72 hours of the last time smoking weed. Many people report that the first week of quitting marijuana is particularly challenging but improves with time. These emotional and physical symptoms, including night sweats, often peak in their severity between day 2 and day 10 after last stopping cannabis intake.

The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms, such as night sweats, can vary depending on individual metabolism.

Some symptoms, like night sweats, may last for several weeks and can persist for up to six months in some cases, especially for heavy users. Some clients at Catalina have reported that symptoms can persist for even weeks after quitting. And the psychological aspects of dependence on weed can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the person and the form of support enlisted.

Seek Professional Medical Advice When Quitting Weed

Marijuana users with a goal of quitting cannabis for good should seek medical advice. The night sweats and other withdrawal symptoms are usually mild to moderate in intensity. However, some experience withdrawal symptoms that last for longer or can be very intense.

Seeking support from healthcare professionals is important for managing withdrawal symptoms effectively. In severe cases, night sweats and other withdrawal symptoms may require medication or professional intervention for proper management.

A medical doctor or mental health professional will guide you in eliminating marijuana dependence safely. They’ll keep an eye on both your emotional and physical health.

Erika Came to Catalina After a Cannabis Detox at Home Went Wrong

‘Erika’ came to Catalina Behavioral Health unsure whether she’d make it through the first days. She used medical cannabis frequently to take the edge off her migraines. When she realized how well it worked, she started smoking weed more often, just because she enjoyed how it made all her minor aches and pains go away.

Soon, though, she became dependent on it; smoking pot began impacting her ability to meet her responsibilities to her children. She was often late to work, missed paying the rent on time, and couldn’t focus on being their mom.

She tried detoxing at home and “went cold turkey.” Within a few days, she had night sweats, a common symptom. Another common symptom, nausea, also acted up, worsening the sleeplessness and making Erika feel sick and dizzy. Within 5 days of her attempt at quitting weed, Erika gave up and started smoking again.

She knew she needed to do better for her kids and learned that Catalina Behavioral Health accepted her BCBS insurance with only a minor co-pay. She arranged for her children to stay with her mother and went through an inpatient program at our center. Afterward, she started outpatient therapy and resumed her nightly routine with her children.

The doctor at Catalina consulted with her migraine specialist; with proper medication management, Erika’s migraines stopped. She learned stress management tools in therapy since stress was a trigger for both the migraines and smoking marijuana.

Since her time at Catalina, Erika has completed her online degree and started a great job to better support her children.

What Chronic Users of Cannabis Can Expect at a Recovery Center

A treatment center like Catalina Behavioral provides emotional support during the earliest phases of addiction recovery. Then, a team of qualified substance abuse treatment professionals will help you understand and confront your addiction, opening you up to living a clean, sober life.

Here is a general overview of what you can expect at most treatment clinics:

Admission and Initial Consult

Whether using street weed, medical marijuana, or other drugs, detox starts with an intake appointment and assessment. A clinician will discuss your addiction and note any concerning behavioral signs or patterns, then consult with the doctor. They also assess your mental and physical readiness for the detox process. You are officially on the way to quitting weed.

Starting a Safe, Supportive Marijuana Withdrawal Process

By the time you finish admissions, it has possibly been several hours since your last marijuana use. As you move to the supervised medical detox setting, you may feel the first pangs of weed withdrawal.

You will be continuously monitored by a specially-trained staff whose primary directive is to keep you safe and motivate you to continue the weed withdrawal with minimal discomfort. Most physical symptoms experienced during this period are temporary physical reactions to withdrawal, such as increased sweating, and typically subside within a short timeframe for lighter users.

Monitoring for severe dehydration is important due to excessive sweating that can occur as part of these physical reactions.

Managing Weed Withdrawal Symptoms

If symptoms persist or worsen, the mental health professional will prescribe certain FDA-approved medicines to minimize them. Besides offering medications during the worst of weed withdrawal, we will use a holistic approach to your care.

Withdrawal can cause significant discomfort, including intense sweating and disrupted body temperature regulation. Seeking support from healthcare professionals and loved ones is crucial to help manage these symptoms and ensure proper monitoring and treatment options during this period.

We will ensure you drink plenty of water to help support your wellness and help release toxins. We’ll also offer you a balanced diet (and avoid junk food) to minimize any nausea or stomach issues you may experience.

If you need a distraction during marijuana withdrawal, we can teach you to do deep breathing or visualization exercises to keep your mind off quitting weed. Finally, our team will create a calm environment where you can rest, even if you still struggle with night sweats and body temperature changes.

Individual Counseling and Group Therapy Sessions

As you transition out of detox and into either inpatient or outpatient treatment, you’ll receive customized therapies to help change your behaviors and teach you better coping skills. You’ll discover why you started smoking weed and find the best ways to stop using marijuana for good.

Psychotherapy and behavioral services are among the key factors in overcoming marijuana addiction and enjoying lasting recovery.

Planning for Sobriety

Before leaving our Arizona recovery center, you will develop a personal roadmap guiding you away from triggers and temptations and toward a healthier life. You will be prepared to attend support groups weekly and avoid the negative circumstances that led you to marijuana dependency.

Connect with Catalina for Marijuana Detox and Recovery Support

Those struggling with marijuana withdrawal symptoms, like night sweats, do not need to suffer. Seeking treatment at a treatment and detox center can help alleviate the worst of the pain and help you stay on track to have a healthier life in the future.

Catalina Behavioral Health accepts the most popular health insurance providers, and our admissions team can confidentially verify insurance coverage and make sure you get the most out of your benefits.

If you are ready to make the transformation and leave smoking weed in your past, there is no better day to start than today. Make a free and confidential call to Catalina Behavioral Health now.

You’ve probably heard that trauma is stored in the body. Additionally, you may know that trauma can affect your physical health just as much as it impacts you emotionally or psychologically.

The question, then, is: Where is trauma stored in the body?

Our life experiences can affect the body and the brain deeply, even if we try to ignore or forget them. However, moving forward is possible. Getting informed on the effects of trauma and trauma healing can be incredibly valuable, leading to the opportunity to seek emotional support and reach a significantly improved quality of life.

This article will go over where trauma is stored in the body first. Then, we’ll talk about the fundamental ability the brain has to heal, techniques for releasing trauma, and how treatment can help.

Where Trauma is Stored in the Body: Chart and Explanation

Many people who have survived traumatic experiences face chronic stress. When you are in a state of chronic stress, you will likely notice physical and psychological trauma symptoms.

It can be hard to link the symptoms you’re going through in the present moment back to the past–you might wonder, ”Why would past trauma affect me right now?”

Trauma can affect the entire body. There’s more than one way to interpret where in the body trauma is stored, depending on what that means to you. Here’s an explanation of where and how past trauma is remembered by the body.

Trauma and the Brain

The mind-body connection is very real. Rather than the body itself, trauma is stored in the brain’s emotional memory centers. Specifically, the hippocampus and amygdala.

Found deep in the temporal lobe, your hippocampus consolidates short-term memories into long-term memories. It also influences decision-making. People with more severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are more likely to have abnormalities in the hippocampus. That said, it may be noteworthy to say that trauma is linked to problems with memory processing, as well as trouble making decisions.

Your amygdala is located in the temporal lobe, just above the hippocampus. Playing a key role in emotional responses like anxiety, anger, and fear, the amygdala processes external input, links it with knowledge from the past, and creates a response or reaction. With trauma responses–which can be physical and psychological–in mind, this makes sense.

Physical Effects of Trauma and Trapped Emotions

Unaddressed trauma can lead to a range of physical health effects. Sometimes, this is what people mean when they say, “The body keeps the score” or “Trauma is stored in the body.”

Common physical symptoms linked to trauma and PTSD include but aren’t limited to:

• Distress in the digestive system (e.g., abdominal pain, reflux)
• Sleep disturbance (e.g., insomnia)
• Tight jaw muscles or teeth grinding
• Body aches
• Hip pain
• Muscle tension
• Headaches

When faced with traumatic memories or emotional distress, you might notice that you have a physical response or bodily sensations. For example, an increased heart rate, fluttering in the stomach, or body temperature changes.

Trauma can increase the risk of some chronic or long-term physical ailments, like high blood pressure, heart disease, TMJ disorder, and chronic pain conditions.

The Nervous System

The role of the nervous system is to send messages from the brain to the body and vice versa.

As for the parts of the body it relates to, the nervous system is a complex, intricate network that involves your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Trauma can cause nervous system dysregulation, which can lead to physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of PTSD. For example, hypervigilance.

The nervous system controls the fight-or-flight response. Although this response is meant to protect you in times of danger, trauma survivors often have an overactive fight-or-flight response, leading to an influx of stress hormones.

The Brain’s Natural Recovery Process

Although trauma can change the body and the brain, healing can, too. When you get treatment for trauma and mental health disorders like PTSD, the brain may change, and your nervous system may become more regulated.

Techniques for Releasing Stored Trauma

Seeking professional treatment is the best way to promote emotional healing and recovery from some of the possible effects of trauma.

Trauma-Informed Therapy Methods

It is highly recommended that those who have experienced trauma participate in therapy. Therapeutic approaches that can help trauma survivors include but aren’t limited to the following.

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
• Somatic experiencing
• Cognitive processing therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Prolonged exposure
• Narrative exposure therapy

Other therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy, can support trauma recovery by teaching you coping skills, healthy relationship skills, and distress tolerance. In addition to therapy, some types of medication can be helpful for those with trauma disorders. For example, antidepressant medications.

Self-Care and Relaxation Techniques

Basic self-care is important, but it can be easy to overlook. Trauma survivors can support themselves by ensuring that they get enough sleep (or work toward getting enough sleep as a goal, with the help of medical and mental health providers), practice stress management, eat regularly, and get appropriate physical activity.

Trauma-informed yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises can help trauma survivors. Techniques like self-massages that relieve tension in the neck may be of help when trauma triggers manifest physically through pain or tightness.

How Treatment Helps Trauma Survivors Release Stored Trauma

In the trauma treatment program at Catalina Behavioral Health, multiple types of trauma therapy and supportive treatments are combined to help you find whole-person relief. We help trauma survivors, including those with PTSD, complex PTSD, and related mental health conditions, heal and discover healthy ways to cope with high-stress times and trauma triggers.

Our comprehensive approach involves groups, individual therapy sessions, mind-body therapies, and other treatments. For example, creative therapies to promote self-expression, family therapy, physical activity, nutrition support, and medication management for those who find it beneficial.

All clients attending Catalina Behavioral Health for trauma recovery will get a personalized treatment plan. Your treatment plan with us will target your specific needs while outlining what your treatment schedule will look like.

Types of Trauma Treatment Programs

Inpatient and outpatient trauma treatment programs are available at Catalina Behavioral Health.

Whether you need daily therapy and around-the-clock supervision or have to balance trauma therapy with work or school, we have a program that can help.

When you reach out to us about getting help for trauma at our treatment center in Arizona, we’ll schedule an intake assessment and help you find the right starting level of care.

If you experience substance abuse–which is significantly more common among trauma survivors—we offer dual-diagnosis treatment programs that can help.

Call Catalina for PTSD, CPTSD, and Trauma Treatment

People tend not to understand quite how severe the effects of trauma are until they start to overcome them.

Our trauma treatment programs in Arizona are here to help you or your loved one heal from the chronic stress caused by past trauma. Reaching out for help can be tough, but it is 100% worth it.

Please call Catalina Behavioral Health today to learn more about our trauma treatment programs, verify your health insurance coverage, or for help with any questions you might have. You are welcome to contact us for yourself or someone else you know.

FAQs Regarding Trauma and the Body

How do you know where trauma is stored in your body?

Even though trauma is remembered by the brain, it can manifest physically. A body scan can help you notice any physical pain or related symptoms you are experiencing.

Close your eyes and take note of how each part of your body feels, starting with your head and moving down to your toes. Do you notice headaches? What about jaw tension, facial pain, or tooth pain? How about tension in the neck or back?

While it is not that the body parts themselves are holding trauma, unresolved feelings and triggers related to past traumas can cause pain, tension, and other negative health effects, which can be anywhere from mild to severe.

Body-based approaches for trauma, like somatic experiencing, may be helpful if this is something you notice.

How to release emotional trauma from the body?

Therapies like TF-CBT, EMDR, and somatic experiencing can help trauma survivors with emotional healing. When you work with a therapist, you can release trapped emotions in a safe environment, increase body awareness, and learn skills that help you during times of increased stress or trauma triggers.

Getting help for unresolved trauma may also alleviate physical reactions or symptoms.

How can you unpack trauma?

Therapy can help you unpack the implications of traumatic events, like repressed emotions and painful memories. It is possible to heal from trauma, whether you’ve been through a singular traumatic event, prolonged trauma, or multiple traumatic experiences.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482171/#:~:text=The%20 hippocampus%20is%20the%20%22 flash,hippocampus%20 proper%2C%20and%20the%20 subiculum.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537102/#:~:text=The%20 amygdala%20is%20an%20 almond,of%20the%20uncus.%5B1%5D
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3181836/
4. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments

Have you noticed more hair falling out in the shower? Or maybe there’s noticeable thinning at the crown of your head or your hairline. If you’re a weed smoker, events like these can leave you wondering about the effects that marijuana has on your hair.

So: does weed cause hair loss?

While there is research that hemp and some cannabinoids may benefit the hair, THC itself can disrupt the hair growth cycle and some evidence supports that it causes hair loss. If you are looking at the link between cannabis and balding, chances are you are a chronic smoker who is wondering what toll marijuana use is having on your life.

Keep reading to learn more about the connection between weed and hair loss, whether you should worry, and how to reach out to Catalina Behavioral Health if you believe marijuana use is negatively impacting your life.

Does Weed Contribute to Hair Loss? What to Consider

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States. While it is not considered as addictive as stimulants or opioids, it is still possible to become dependent on it.

Some people fall into patterns of using weed every day and smoking cannabis regularly does have the potential for negative effects, including hair thinning and hair loss.

This happens because of the way that cannabinoids like THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body. Using cannabis affects the hair growth cycle, hair follicles, and nutrition.

However, the research on whether smoking marijuana can contribute to hair loss directly is inconclusive. Let’s look at ways that marijuana use might impact hair growth.

How Marijuana Affects Hair Follicles

Scientific evidence shows cigarette smoking breaks down important fibers in the hair follicles, affecting how well new, healthy hair can grow.

Cigarette smokers are also likely to experience premature hair graying according to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal. But what about smoking weed?

Marijuana affects human hair follicle growth because of the way active compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are present in the hair follicles. Smoking weed causes THC to bind to the hair follicle, interrupting your hair’s ability to grow.

Cannabis use also changes blood flow to the scalp. Without proper blood flow, the hair follicles are not stimulated enough to promote hair growth.

Contrasting this is research from the International Journal of Trichology. This study examined women with alopecia who used marijuana for mental health symptoms, reporting no effect on existing hair loss.

How Cannabis Disrupts Healthy Hair Growth

Marijuana has some medical benefits, evidenced by its growing use to treat nausea, pain, anxiety, eating disorders, and symptoms of cancer treatment. Unfortunately, smoking weed regularly can also be a contributing factor linked to hair loss.

There is anecdotal evidence suggesting marijuana causes telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss is caused by damage to hair shafts. Hair can become dry, brittle, and thin before it starts to slowly fall out.

Marijuana use also increases cortisol levels, despite people using it to relieve anxiety and stress. High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone cause hair follicles to enter the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. Entering the resting phase too early disrupts the growth cycle and causes hair thinning.

Marijuana and Overall Nutritional Health

Chronic smokers often pay less attention to what they are putting in their bodies. Marijuana stimulates appetite, causing the munchies and making eating healthy far from a priority. Even though you do get full, there’s a chance you aren’t getting all the nutrients you need from food.

Certain nutritional deficiencies cause thinning and hair loss including riboflavin, folate, biotin, and Vitamin B12. Poor diet also contributes to hair breakage, dryness, thinning, and loss.

Outside of including all the food groups, eating a balanced diet, and choosing nutrient-dense foods when you get the munchies, incorporating a multivitamin can help you combat nutritional deficiencies.

Other Causes of Hair Loss to Consider

While smoking weed regularly can contribute to hair loss, there are numerous factors to consider. Genetics, hormone levels, medical conditions and treatments, hair loss conditions, and lifestyle choices all play a role.

Age, friction, stress levels, radiation therapy, scalp psoriasis, and fungal infections are other factors that may cause hair loss.

Genetics

The majority of people who experience hair loss lose their hair because of genetic conditions rather than regular cannabis use. Often, androgenetic alopecia is the root cause. This patterned hair loss begins after the hormonal changes associated with puberty.

Hormone Levels

The effects you feel following marijuana use come from the way that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and hormone production. This is one of the reasons cannabis use has a negative impact on the female and male reproductive systems.

There are mixed results on how cannabis use affects hormones like estrogen and testosterone. However, hormonal imbalances are one of the most common causes of hair loss in men and women. Conditions including thyroid disease, androgenic alopecia, and menopause affect hormone levels and cause hair loss.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Several conditions have the potential to cause hair loss including those that affect hormone levels, like pregnancy and menopause, mental health conditions, or thyroid conditions. Overall health also affects how well hair grows.

Conditions like anemia, bulimia, Chron’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and those that cause loss of appetite also make it hard to get the necessary nutrients. This has adverse effects on hair growth.

Certain medications also affect your hair’s ability to grow. High doses of Vitamin A, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and birth control pills cause an increased risk of hair loss.

Talk to your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options if you are worried about this side effect. Sometimes, changing medications can help hair grow.

Alopecia-Related Hair Loss

Many conditions including alopecia areata, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and alopecia universalis and totalis, result in hair falling out or thinning. Causes might include hormone changes, autoimmune disorders, genetic reasons, or unspecified hair loss.

Hair thinning and loss can be limited to the scalp, affect hair all over the body, fall out in patches, or thin progressively over time. Sometimes, it’s not known why people experience hair loss, and quitting weed may not slow or reverse hair loss, but it will certainly provide many other benefits.

Lifestyle Choices

Several factors affect hair loss. Tight hairstyles like extensions, braiding, and tight ponytails may cause traction alopecia, which is thinning hair caused by the hair shaft being pulled.

Bleaching, dyeing, and heating hair also damage the hair shaft, which may cause breakage and thinning over time. Using the right shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can improve hair health. Be sure to wait an adequate amount of time between treatments if you are experiencing hair loss from the way you style your hair.

For some people, significant hair loss takes a toll on confidence and self-esteem. Even if marijuana abuse or addiction isn’t the root cause of hair loss, cutting back can help your hair grow and reduce hair loss.

Hemp and CBD for Hair Loss Treatment

While marijuana might make it harder for hair to grow, hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) have beneficial oils and nutrients that might stimulate hair regrowth and improve hair health. However, it must be adjusted to treat hair loss.

High concentrations of CBD can have the opposite effect on hair growth. CBD to promote hair gain is also applied topically rather than being smoked or consumed orally.

There are also alternatives to promote healthy hair growth. It’s best to talk to a professional about the next steps to form a treatment plan to help hair grow.

Get Help Overcoming Daily Marijuana Use at Catalina

If you are experiencing hair loss and worried about if smoking weed is the cause, it may be time to start considering the impact of marijuana on your life. Do you spend a lot of time being high or thinking about the next time when you use marijuana? Has it become a daily habit instead of something done occasionally to relax or unwind?

Being dependent on cannabis isn’t considered as serious a problem as addiction to stimulants or opioids. However, it can be quite damaging for many of us, and cannabis use can still cause legal troubles, financial issues, and health problems.

If you need help quitting, reach out to Catalina Behavioral Health today. Many of our clients receive marijuana treatment in a convenient outpatient setting. We also offer dual diagnosis care, which is important if mental health conditions are at the root of your urge to smoke.

Give Catalina a confidential call and find out more about how we can help you today!

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36181341/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12673073/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5660879/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673399/
6. https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1096/fj.06-7689com https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35300098/

Marijuana consumption is likely legal in your state. Still, if you or a loved one are regular consumers of cannabis, you are likely wondering: What is considered heavy marijuana use, and when does it cross a line into abuse?

While marijuana consumption is legal in many states, it remains illegal at the federal level, and legal issues can still arise, in addition to issues of dependence, and yes, addiction.

Although weed smoking is legally acceptable in Arizona and many other US states, considerable risks are associated with a Cannabis Use Disorder. The perception of cannabis is evolving, with increasing acceptance in many areas, but stigma still exists. The potential risks of the use of marijuana largely rest with each individual. Some have medical conditions that can create physical effects, while others seem to smoke without expressing any concern.

Catalina Behavioral Health acknowledges that cannabis products are widely available after legalization. However, we still warn our clients against smoking cannabis after finding recovery and help others overcome cannabis as their primary substance of choice.

It is simple: cannabis use still means an increased risk for adverse effects, despite its legality. Self-assessment is important for identifying problematic cannabis use. We believe all people should make informed decisions.

We invite you to join us as we look deeper into the debates surrounding smoking cannabis and discuss what may constitute heavy use. What is considered heavy weed or heavy weed use can vary based on how often and how much someone uses, as well as the impact on daily life. Definitions of heavy use can also vary based on individual patterns, tolerance, and effects.

And, we would like to remind you that treatment support is available at Catalina if marijuana has become a problem for you or someone you care about.

What Is Considered Heavy Marijuana Use? Look at These Factors

Defining heavy marijuana use depends on several factors. Just as with consuming alcohol or other drugs, everyone experiences addiction in their own way. Heavy weed use is generally considered heavy when someone uses cannabis daily or multiple times per day, or consumes larger amounts in one sitting or on a regular basis.

Some of the determining factors include the following about what constitutes heavy marijuana use:

• Frequent consumption and large doses: Using marijuana daily, on a regular basis, or several times daily is generally categorized as heavy marijuana use. How much marijuana was consumed also weighs into consideration; heavy usage often means higher dosages or larger amounts in one sitting, consistently over time as the body develops tolerance.
• Duration of cannabis use: Long-term dependence on marijuana, especially when combined with larger doses, usually constitutes heavy marijuana use.
• Dependency: If marijuana has become a must-have to function as usual, or when someone has withdrawal if they don’t engage in regular marijuana use, that is considered heavy marijuana use by most professionals. Loss of control—using more than intended or being unable to cut down—is a key sign.
• Cannabis use controls daily decisions: Marijuana users who plan their day around smoking are often considered heavy cannabis users.
• Using marijuana daily or on a regular basis: Consuming marijuana daily or almost daily over an extended period is generally considered heavy use.
• Consuming larger amounts or using multiple times in one sitting: Using cannabis in larger amounts or multiple times during one sitting increases the likelihood of heavy weed use.

The DSM-5 uses 11 criteria to assess the severity of cannabis use, and medical professionals assess heavy use by looking at frequency and the level of interference with life, which may indicate Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The most common baseline for heavy use is how many days per month or times per day a person uses cannabis. The presence of THC-11-oic acid in urine is a common marker used to verify heavy cannabis use.

A heavy user of marijuana has a greater likelihood of developing physical and mental health issues. Awareness of the problem is often the foundation for fixing it and restoring your well-being. Self assessment and recognizing signs of heavy use are crucial for understanding your use patterns. As tolerance develops, users may need higher doses to achieve the same effects.

As an informal assessment tool, our marijuana addiction quiz can help you determine whether cannabis use has become problematic for yourself (or a loved one). Here are some signs to consider below.

What are the Signs of a Chronic User of Marijuana?

Recognizing these signs in yourself or a loved one is the first step toward getting the support and understanding you deserve. When marijuana use becomes more than occasional enjoyment and starts taking center stage in your daily life, you’re not alone in this struggle.

You might find it challenging to cut back or stop, even when your heart tells you it’s time. Those persistent cravings can feel overwhelming, and you may notice that cannabis has started taking priority over the work, family connections, or hobbies that once brought you joy – perhaps even canceling plans when you can’t access marijuana.

The good news is that recognizing these physical and mental health changes means you’re already on a path toward healing. While chronic marijuana use can lead to that persistent cough, respiratory challenges like chronic bronchitis, and increased struggles with anxiety, depression, or mood swings, understanding these connections gives you power.

You may notice relationships becoming strained as you withdraw from activities or people that don’t involve cannabis use. Those withdrawal symptoms, irritability, sleep troubles, including intense nightmares from weed withdrawal, or appetite changes when you try to quit weed consumption, can feel daunting, but they’re also signs that your body is ready for positive change.

If you’re seeing these patterns in your own life or in someone you care about, there’s hope and help available. You don’t have to walk this path alone. Addressing these challenges early can prevent further complications and open doors to the support, community, and healing that will help you or your loved one return to a life of well-being and joy.

Do the Alleged Therapeutic Benefits Outweigh the Increased Risk of Chronic Marijuana Use?

Chronic users of weed will undoubtedly argue that the use of this increasingly popular drug has health benefits and then point to the medical marijuana industry.

But that is an unequal comparison – the medical marijuana industry is a little closer to prescribing drugs under a doctor’s care than legal recreational use. Cannabis is permitted for medical purposes in certain states and is prescribed for specific health conditions under strict regulations. The medical community is bound in those states that allow medical dispensation to prescribe medical marijuana only for specific conditions, as per state law.

Some of the allowable conditions for smoking marijuana medically are:

• Chronic pain due to cancer
• Glaucoma
• Epilepsy and seizures
• HIV/AIDS
• ALS
• Crohn’s Disease
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Comparing medical marijuana to grabbing a recreational marijuana smoke at the end of a workday becomes even muddier when you look at the abuse of prescription pills. Just because someone has a prescription for Xanax for anxiety, it does not guarantee that the person won’t misuse it and become addicted to it. Same with marijuana.

The World Health Organization also takes a measured approach, acknowledging there are some therapeutic benefits to consider when discussing the medical use of marijuana. Still, their leadership warns of its highly addictive nature. They express particular concern about teens and young adults who start smoking early in life.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Stats on Marijuana Use

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) conducted a large survey and found that cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States. It is particularly popular among young people.

While many states have legalized cannabis, it remains illegal at the federal level. Users should be aware of potential legal issues, as regional and national cannabis laws can differ, and heavy marijuana use may have legal consequences.

The report shows how 35.4% of younger adults, or 11.8 million young Americans, had used it within the previous year. Among those, 30.7% of 12th graders had used it, often through vapes.

Legalization does not mean that marijuana does not cause any harm.

Negative Consequences That Can Come From Overusing Marijuana

Heavy usage of marijuana, especially in high doses, can wreak havoc on your well-being, despite it being legal to obtain and use in Arizona. Long term effects of heavy marijuana use may include persistent memory problems and mood changes, such as increased anxiety or depression. Cannabis affects both brain function and overall mental health, with risks that can persist over time.

While cannabis is less physically addictive than some other substances, it can still lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, and the feeling of an enduring ‘weed hangover‘.

With all the latest information, you can make well-informed decisions about smoking recreational weed.

Here are some of the possible health concerns to consider:

What Cognitive and Mental Health Issues Can Be Caused By Cannabis?

First, let’s touch on some of the things that can happen psychologically when you use marijuana frequently. The immediate effects of cannabis can be felt quickly after use and may include changes in mood, perception, and coordination.

Note that these effects can vary based on individual tolerance, the strain of marijuana, and the dosage consumed.

Drug Abuse (Marijuana Use Disorder)

The shift from recreational smoking can creep up on heavy users. Many don’t realize that their casual use progresses next to marijuana abuse and then to marijuana addiction as their brain becomes evermore dependent on the drug.

Depression and Mood Swings

Heavy cannabis use can lock you into an endless loop; enjoy the high, start to comedown, and then experience marijuana withdrawal symptoms until you use again.

During the comedown and withdrawal, many who take higher doses of cannabis struggle with depression and mood swings during these phases. These symptoms can be particularly pronounced in those using concentrated forms of cannabis and ‘dabbing‘ regularly.

Psychotic Disorders and Marijuana Use Disorder

Heavy marijuana use may lead to a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia in people who are already predisposed to the illness. The high THC levels in some strains of the hemp plant can disrupt brain function. The result can be hallucinations, paranoid thoughts, or delusional behavior.

Cognitive Impairment and Related Risks

Marijuana heavily consumed can cause cognitive impairment. This potential outcome is especially concerning in older teens or young adults whose brain development is still underway. The impacts on memory and learning can lead to challenges in academics, work, or accidents.

What are the the Physical Health Risks Associated With Heavy Marijuana Usage?

Smoking affects all people differently. Not everyone who smokes will develop these conditions. However, all regular users will be at a higher risk than most who don’t smoke cannabis. Smoking cannabis carries similar health risks to smoking cigarettes, including respiratory issues.

Marijuana Smoke Can Mean Respiratory Problems and Lung Cancer

Cannabis smoke contains some of the same harmful chemicals as you’d find in tobacco smoke. Whether smoking weed causes cancer directly is still being studied. But it is without a doubt that marijuana smoke contains lung cancer-causing carcinogens. It can also irritate the lungs of people with asthma or cause chronic bronchitis. Some heavy marijuana users develop shortness of breath or a raspy cough.

Heavy Marijuana Use Can Lead to a Heart Attack

People with a cardiovascular diagnosis should avoid heavy cannabis use. Smoking marijuana can worsen the problem because it can raise blood pressure and put unnecessary strain on the heart. In worst cases, it can lead to a heart attack.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) brings severe cycles of vomiting and abdominal pain. Some who develop this condition sometimes stop vomiting only when they stop smoking marijuana. completely. Not only is the vomiting unpleasant, but it can also lead to dehydration.

Whitney Had Mental Health Concerns, and Marijuana Use Made Things Worse

‘Whitney’ was a young professional at the top of her commercial real estate career and a top performer in her agency. Her colleagues constantly praised her work, proud of her wisdom and ability to make informed decisions at such a young age.

That recognition changed over the course of the next year. Arizona legalized marijuana, and Whitney and some friends started smoking week on weekends. It was relaxing – they often paired it with their favorite white wine. After several months of casual drinking and smoking, Whitney started to use it secretly during the middle of the week.

What could be wrong with a smoke and glass or chardonnay after a long, hard day of landing huge real estate deals?

She started looking forward to her mid-week smoke, then added a couple of more evenings of relaxing with marijuana. This routine quickly escalated into nightly use, then a lunchtime smoke to unwind, and then a bowl (or two) for breakfast. Whitney’s pattern of daily cannabis use is a common sign of heavy marijuana use. As her body grew more dependent, Whitney was spending more money every week on cannabis use.

If you find that your cannabis use is becoming more frequent or heavier than you’d like, it’s not too late to make adjustments.

Escalating Cannabis Use Leads to Dependence

After several months of hiding what had grown into a marijuana addiction, Whitney could no longer hide her struggles. Whitney’s job performance suffered, and her finances were becoming sticky – she was spending significant money on heavy marijuana use and making less income as her productivity plummeted.

Whitney decided to take off some time and use her insurance plan to cover the cost of Catalina Behavioral Health’s Partial Hospitalization Program. In her sober moments, she knew it was time to put herself first again instead of putting marijuana first.

She was scared of marijuana detox and withdrawal, but the doctor gave her some medicines that helped dull the nausea, making the first week tolerable. In the PHP program, Whitney learned that her trigger was the stress of her high-pressure career and learned healthier ways to cope with the demands of her job.

After her programs, Whitney returned to the real estate industry but ultimately decided to change to a residential firm, where the lead broker focused on client satisfaction, not deal-making. She avoids putting herself under too much stress and has stayed marijuana-free since leaving our outpatient programs and becoming another successful Catalina alumni story.

Our Treatment Programs for Chronic Use of Marijuana

Has marijuana consumed your life and stripped away the happiness you used to feel? If yes, then it’s time to explore treatment options at a well-qualified rehab center like Catalina Behavioral Health. We offer a supportive environment that will help you stop using marijuana and reclaim your sober life.

Here are some programs that help our clients stop heavy use of cannabis:

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms During Medical Detox

Your recovery starts with detox, where your body sheds any remaining marijuana. Our professional, compassionate team will monitor your well-being (both physically and mentally) as you go through this treatment stage. If your discomfort becomes intense, we can prescribe medications to help you manage them.

Treating Co-Occurring Mental Illness

Heavy marijuana use sometimes stems from an underlying mental health condition or co-occurring disorder. In this case, marijuana use is a form of self-medicating, often covering up the chronic pain of depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses.

We will treat both the mental illness and the heavy marijuana use to help restore wellness.

Intensive Counseling Services for Marijuana Users

Our Joint Commission-accredited treatment programs are staffed with highly qualified counselors and therapists who know the potential risks of heavy use of marijuana. They provide customized treatment options to help each person confront their addiction.

Therapies take place in individual, group, and family settings to ensure a safe, well-rounded experience.

Aftercare Planning and Support Groups

You don’t leave your inpatient programs or outpatient care without developing an aftercare plan. This plan is your roadmap to staying sober once you return to your daily routine. It will provide you a well-thought-out guide to healthy activities that keep you on the right path.

For instance, you might plan on attending Narcotics Anonymous or Marijuana Anonymous groups once a week to gain support from others who have experienced heavy use of marijuana or other illicit drugs. You might also create a list of “unsafe people” to avoid, those who could possibly trigger a relapse.

Prevention and Reduction Strategies for Cannabis Use

What does it really take to prevent and reduce heavy cannabis use in your life or the life of someone you care about? The truth is, it involves much more than just willpower – it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and social factors you’re dealing with. Counseling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can offer you hope as you identify triggers for cannabis use and develop healthier coping strategies that actually work.

Support groups, including peer recovery groups, provide a supportive community where you can share your experiences and receive genuine encouragement from others who understand exactly what you’re walking through.

What is Harm Reduction in the Context of Heavy Marijuana Use?

Harm reduction strategies can also offer you practical hope for minimizing negative effects. Whether you’re choosing cleaner cannabis products or reducing the frequency and amount of use, these approaches meet you where you are right now.

Education becomes your foundation for hope: when you truly understand the risks of heavy cannabis use, you’re empowered to make informed choices about your health and well-being–choices that can transform your life.

Are you or someone you care about struggling with heavy cannabis use right now? Seeking professional help can make a significant difference in your journey toward healing and hope. When you focus on accessing resources, building a supportive environment around yourself, and learning new skills, you’re taking important steps toward reducing or preventing cannabis use and improving your overall health.

Connect With Catalina if You’re a Heavy User Ready for Help

If your once casual or recreational marijuana use has become the dominant factor in your life, it’s time to get professional help from the expert team at Catalina Behavioral Health.

We understand how the legalization of marijuana has led people to believe that it’s not damaging and that marijuana use is relatively safe. The truth is that for many, marijuana use is unsafe and even damaging.

Catalina Behavioral Health is here to help you unravel the negative consequences of heavy marijuana use and regain control over your life and happiness.

Call us today to arrange to come to our rehab center to quit using cannabis. We’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chronic Marijuana Use

Developing a ‘Cannabis Use Disorder’ feels something like a small insect accidentally being entangled in a spider’s web. At first, the insect might see it as harmless or even cozy and appealing. But as it proceeds into the web, the webbing becomes stickier and more constricting.

Gradually, the inquisitive insect struggles to move immobilized and trapped. This form of substance abuse is much the same for people who find themselves snared and led into addiction. If you’ve been engaged in marijuana use and think it might be problematic, our Cannabis Use Disorder Test can help you reflect on its impact on your life.

Catalina Behavioral Health, an industry leader in Tucson, Arizona, knows that it can be hard to tell if you’re addicted to cannabis use. We have treated many adults who found themselves with hazardous cannabis dependence after beginning with recreational or even medical use.

Keep reading to learn more about cannabis and how to use our Cannabis Use Disorder Test to self-assess whether it’s time to seek guidance from a recovery professional, whether at Catalina or at another accredited and reputable facility.

The Cannabis Plant and Risks Chemical Dependence

The American Psychiatric Association recognizes the Cannabis plant in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a potential cause of chemical dependence.

Research shows how some people, especially those with high sensitivity to its psychoactive components who begin use during adolescence, are at increased risk for developing Cannabis Use Disorder in the long-term.

Taking the Cannabis Dependence Self-Assessment

There are several cannabis abuse screening tests. The best-known is the CUDIT – cannabis use disorders identification test, followed by the CUDIT-R, the cannabis use disorders identification test – revised. However, these evaluations are administered by psychological medicine specialists.

On the other hand, ours is a quick self-assessment that can point you in the right direction and also complements our marijuana addiction quiz for additional and more in-depth insights.

With this Cannabis Use test, you will answer yes or no to fifteen questions; each “yes” is a point. The scores will help you predict whether you need to seek treatment or have the ability to quit before your body becomes dependent. The key that explains the scores is at the bottom of the printable PDF below.

Here are the individual items asked, and a brief explanation about why each is important.

1) Do you find yourself using marijuana more often than you intend?

Cannabis use more often than planned can reveal difficulty in controlling consumption. The pattern can show how you might have shifted from casual to hazardous cannabis use.

2) Have you tried to cut down or stop using marijuana but couldn’t?

If you’ve tried to stop the substance misuse but couldn’t, it can show a developing pattern of psychological or physically hazardous dependence on your drug of choice.

3) Do you spend much time obtaining, using, or recovering from a high?

Spending too much time on drugs, even cannabis, can lead to a lower quality of life, social problems, and a worsening addiction. Likewise, experiencing weed hangover effects and lack of productivity from overuse of cannabis products can also pose a threat to quality of life and indicated a substance use disorder.

4) Do you crave marijuana when you’re not using it?

Craving cannabis is a driving factor behind an active addiction. It is a sign that recreational use appears to be turning to Cannabis Use Disorder.

5) Do you continue to use marijuana despite relationship problems?

Another of the negative consequences of cannabis use (or alcohol dependence or any drug) is the harm it does to relationships. Relationships cannot last when someone feels they can’t measure up to a substance in the eyes of someone they love.

6) Have you given up on recreational activities due to marijuana use?

This behavior illustrates how someone has swapped a positive coping mechanism to relieve stress for the negativity of using drugs.

7) Do you use marijuana in situations where it could be hazardous?

This question shows how someone may take risks they’d never take otherwise due to cannabis use. For instance, it might mean driving while using weed or alcohol or engaging in other substance abuse.

8) Has your marijuana use led to financial or legal problems?

Substance use disorder often brings with it high financial costs. Legal costs due to laws broken or a job loss due to low performance can occur.

9) Do you use marijuana to escape from problems or soothe emotions?

Some past clients who were deeply addicted to a cannabis-based drug of choice (such as flower, concentrates that are often dabbed, or edibles) reported that these drugs became like best friends who brought them great comfort. This may indicate other mental disorders being covered by the drug use.

10) Have you had decreased memory or focus since you started using it?

Cannabis Use Disorder can mean impaired concentration. You may feel forgetful, confused, or forget the right word for things.

11) Do you use marijuana in larger amounts or over a longer time than planned?

Using more cannabis than planned could show that you are no longer in control of your consumption. It suggests increased tolerance for the drug and that quitting marijuana consumption would have measurable benefits.

12) Have friends or family members expressed concern about your marijuana use?

Your loved ones have noticed changes in your behaviors. They approach you out of concern for your well-being.

13) Has your marijuana use affected your performance at work, school, or home?

Similar to question #10 about concentration, cannabis use can make you very mellow or less motivated. You put your career or education at risk in some situations.

14) Do you feel anxious if you know you won’t be able to use marijuana?

Dependency means that could be growing more reliant on marijuana. If the thought of being without it makes you feel squeamish, you have a higher potential for Cannabis Use Disorder.

15) Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, appetite disturbance, or restlessness when you’ve tried to quit marijuana?

These symptoms indicate that your brain may panic when you stop using, signaling withdrawal symptoms from marijuana to the rest of your body. These are why treatment facilities are the safest place to detox when you decide to quit using drugs or alcohol.

Insurance Benefits Often Cover Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, which set new criteria that made mental health services equal to services for physical well-being, care for addiction is now widely available.

Reach out to the admissions and insurance team at Catalina Behavioral Health; we will reach out to your insurer to determine your coverage. It’s time to get the care you deserve.

What Methods Can Help You Get the Tools to Overcome Substance Abuse?

Catalina Behavioral Health offers both inpatient and outpatient services.

Inpatient (residential) care is generally best for people with complex or long-term addictions. For example, a person who has an addiction to drugs plus alcohol and a dual diagnosis of depression may be a candidate for inpatient treatment.

On the other hand, outpatient care is best for working adults or college-age students with fewer complications. With outpatient, clients attend therapy several hours a day while managing daily obligations.

Regardless of what level of care you need, we provide adults with research-based treatment that can help you leave drug abuse in your past.

Reach Out to Catalina Today for Help With Marijuana Use

If you took the screening and need more information, reach out to our team today. We are glad to answer your questions and help you decide to make addiction a distant memory. It’s time to turn the page on cannabis dependence.

Make the confidential call today, and get proven support for putting down marijuana with us now!

If you use marijuana regularly, you may have noticed unfavorable changes to your skin. In turn, you may wonder if there is a correlation between marijuana use and skin-related concerns like acne breakouts. While smoking marijuana is not necessarily a direct cause of acne, a lot of people do notice that smoking weed changes their skin.

Like other substances, marijuana affects the body and can change some of the ways it functions. However, we rarely see information or discussions regarding the impacts of marijuana on the body because it’s largely seen as harmless. Some people who have been through cannabis addiction may know of the possible consequences of using the drug, but the general public doesn’t often have all of the information they need.

So, does smoking weed cause acne breakouts? Let’s discuss the connection between smoking marijuana and acne development, including the possible causes of new or worsening acne symptoms and how they’re linked to smoking marijuana.

Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne Breakouts?

Does smoking weed cause acne breakouts? The bottom line is that smoking marijuana can have a negative impact on your skin, even if it isn’t a direct cause.

Instead, it’s largely factors like exposure to smoke of any kind, if that’s the way that you consume marijuana, poor self-care habits, or changes in the body that may emerge when you use drugs like marijuana that can harm the appearance and health of your skin. 

5 Common Ways Marijuana Can Affect Skin Health

If you suspect that marijuana is affecting your skin in some capacity but don’t fully understand why, it can be helpful to look at the scientific evidence. Here are some of the reasons you might notice unfavorable effects on your skin if you engage in regular cannabis use.

1)   Marijuana May Affect Hormone Levels

Smoking weed can interfere with the body’s hormone levels. Smoking weed affects your endocrine system and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that produces hormones controlling body temperature, mood, heart rate, sleep, thirst, hunger, and sex drive. Although it’s limited, there is some research on the effects of marijuana on cortisol levels.

We also know that smoking weed can impact hormones like testosterone. Hormonal changes, including changes in testosterone levels, can affect the appearance of your skin. Hormone changes linked to testosterone levels can increase the side of your sebaceous glands, which produce oil and may result in clogged pores.

Hormonal changes occurring during puberty often lead to initial acne development, whereas younger children don’t often face acne. When you consider the effects that smoking weed can have on hormones, it makes a lot of sense that it can worsen acne.

2)   Fatigue After You Smoke Weed

Although a lot of people turn to marijuana for stress relief, the fatigue it causes could result in poor skincare habits. If you smoke or take edibles and get too tired to take care of your skin (or other aspects of well-being), it can lead to breakouts.

Similarly, while weed can make you feel sleepy, some research suggests that marijuana users can be more likely to experience sleep problems. Whether or not it means that marijuana users are more likely to have an underlying issue like insomnia or it is cannabis use itself, weed doesn’t treat the underlying cause, and sleep is important for skin health.

3)   Sleep Habits and Skin Health

Disrupted sleep patterns and lower-quality sleep linked to marijuana use can worsen acne. You might notice other effects, like looking tired or faster aging of the skin when you do not sleep enough. On the other hand, sleeping too much or on a pillowcase that is not washed frequently can also increase acne-associated bacteria.

4)   The Physical Effects of Smoke on Skin Health

If you’re someone who smokes weed rather than consuming the drug in other ways — such as in the form of marijuana edibles — it is critical to understand the effects smoke itself can have on your health in terms of skin inflammation. Smoking is never good for your skin health.

Whether you inhale tobacco or cannabis smoke, it can irritate your skin, exacerbating acne or other skin problems. Additionally, smoking weed can affect heart and lung health, even though it is not tobacco. In fact, daily cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

5)   Dietary Changes and Marijuana

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, or AAD, diet can have an impact on acne. Many people experience increased appetite and junk food cravings (“munchies”) after smoking cannabis. You may notice skin changes as a result of eating an unbalanced diet with disproportionate amounts of unhealthy foods, sugary foods, or refined carbohydrates.

Unlike the effects of smoking weed related to smoke inhalation or exposure (rather than the substance itself), challenges related to sleep, diet, and mood can occur no matter how you consume marijuana. So, while eating edibles instead might help you avoid the adverse effects of smoking, it may not necessarily help you avoid all of the possible skin and health-related impacts of marijuana.

Other Factors Contributing to Acne

Acne is considered one of the most common skin conditions in the United States. Although it can be painful and sometimes might make you feel self-conscious, acne itself is nothing to be ashamed of. Other factors that can contribute to acne include but aren’t limited to:

• Eating foods that trigger breakouts: Marijuana can lead to increased appetite and cravings for things like sugary foods. Some people are particularly sensitive to certain foods or notice changes to their skin when they eat specific food items.
• High stress levels: Although stress, like weed, doesn’t cause acne directly, it can certainly worsen it. A lot of people notice acne breakouts or other adverse reactions when their stress levels are high. Hormonal imbalances, whether due to stress or otherwise, can exacerbate such issues even further.
• Personal hygiene: The definition of acne is “a skin condition caused by hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells.” Taking good care of your skin is important for many people who want to beat acne. Some people will experience acne even if they have excellent personal hygiene, as the main cause can differ from person to person.
• Family history: Although some self-care factors, like choosing to smoke weed, not taking off makeup or caring for your skin, and poor sleep, affect your skin, pores, and how prone you are to acne, there is a major genetic factor.

Although it makes sense to want clear and healthy skin, marijuana smokers might also be at risk of a number of other effects. Developing a Cannabis Use Disorder or Marijuana Use Disorder, other new or worsening mental health concerns, and physical health issues unrelated to skin are other factors to consider.

Understanding Marijuana and Its Effects

Marijuana is derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two primary components of marijuana. THC is known for causing the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. In other words, THC is the psychoactive element in cannabis that makes you feel “high.”

Common psychoactive effects associated with THC include but aren’t limited to relaxation and sedation. Some people can experience uncomfortable effects, especially if THC is used in high doses such as hallucinations.

Anxiety is another possible effect and is a more common negative reaction. If you’re someone who experiences effects like increased anxiety when you use marijuana, it’s also worth noting that anxiety can place stress on the body, which could impact skin health.

Why Can’t I Stop Smoking Marijuana?

Sometimes, people notice the negative effects of using marijuana but feel like they can’t stop. Worsened skin conditions, like acne, are just one possible example of how this can manifest. Being unable to stop or reduce marijuana use is a hallmark symptom of marijuana addiction.

A significant portion (about 10%) of those who engage in marijuana consumption will develop an addiction to marijuana, also known more formally as a cannabis use disorder. If you continue using marijuana despite negative consequences on your skin, overall health, interpersonal relationships, work and school performance, or other parts of life, addiction treatment can help.

Reach Out to Catalina for Help With Cannabis Use Today

At Catalina, our team understands that substance abuse comes in many forms and impacts us all differently. Although cannabis is a commonly used drug, like alcohol, it can lead to addiction and may cause serious problems in a person’s life. Our programs can help you stop using cannabis and avoid the negative effects of marijuana use.

We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment for all types and levels of addiction. To get in touch with Catalina Behavioral Health for treatment, call the admissions line on our website today.

FAQs Regarding Marijuana and Skin Health

Is acne a sign of marijuana addiction?

While marijuana use can lead to addiction, acne is not an indicator of marijuana addiction. There are a range of risk factors for acne, such as family history. However, some people do experience an increase in acne when they smoke weed.

Can smoking weed make you look older?

Smoking marijuana may cause new acne breakouts or worsen existing acne, but it can also change your skin in other ways. Changes in collagen production are largely responsible for this. Collagen is a protein responsible for skin elasticity and strength, often associated with a youthful appearance. Smoking can reduce collagen production and may contribute to the loss of skin firmness or the development of wrinkles and fine lines.

References

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687106/full
2. https://rapm.bmj.com/content/47/2/100
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5660879/
4. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/smoking-cannabis-associated-increased-risk-heart-attack-stroke
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538131/
6. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne