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How Long Does It Take to Detox?

Detox usually lasts at least a couple of days, but many factors can affect how long detox lasts and your side effects. Getting proper care during this sensitive time is vital. Licensed professionals will help you understand how long the detox process is and safely guide you through it.

These days can provide an opportunity to start a healthier life, and detox can help lay the foundation for success. Residential or outpatient treatment can further equip you with necessary skills to maintain sobriety. To begin your journey towards a healthier life, explore the various detox services available.

Factors Affecting Detox Duration

Here are 4 things to consider when talking with a doctor about what your detox process will look like:

  • How long you’ve been using the substance
  • To what extent you’ve been using the substance
  • If you’ve been using just one substance vs multiple substances
  • Individual factors, such as overall health, mental health conditions, and metabolism
Caption here.

Detox Timeline for Common Substances

Every substance, and every person, is different, but this is what you can expect to encounter during detox for each substance. 

Alcohol

Alcohol detox usually lasts 2 – 10 days1. Symptoms appear within 6 – 24 hours after quitting drinking and are most severe during the 36 – 72 hour period. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Dehydration
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting

Severe withdrawal may involve complications like:

  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium tremens
  • Extreme agitation

Alcohol detox can be life threatening, so doing this with medical care is vital.

Opioids/Heroin

Opioids are drugs such as heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, and methadone. Detox can last 4 – 20 days, depending on the opioid used1. Quick-acting opioids like heroin typically have a shorter duration than long-acting opioids like fentanyl. Withdrawal symptoms usually appear in 8 – 12 hours after quitting. Symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Hot and cold flashes
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Diarrhea

Opioid withdrawal can be safely worked through as long as you are detoxing with medical supervision. 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. Doctors prescribe them to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders. This drug is relatively easy to become addicted to, so if you are prescribed benzodiazepines, you should use them with caution.

Detox typically lasts 2 – 8 weeks, depending on the benzodiazepine. Quick acting benzodiazepines, like oxazepam, have a shorter detox period1, while clonazepam and other long acting ones have longer detox periods. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Poor concentration and memory
  • Muscle pains

Benzodiazepine withdrawal could be fatal, so it’s important to taper off these with guidance from medical professionals.

Meth/Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs such as methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cocaine. Detox usually lasts 3 – 5 days1, and symptoms begin within 24 hours of quitting. Symptoms include:

  • Agitation and irritability
  • Depression
  • Increased sleeping and appetite
  • Muscle aches

Particularly those who use methamphetamine can develop hallucinations, paranoia, or depressed thoughts during detox.

Meth and stimulant withdrawal can be safely worked through as long as you detox with medical support. 

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are depressant drugs prescribed for sleep aid, muscle spasms, anxiety relief, and seizure prevention. Detox usually lasts around 2 weeks, and symptoms appear 2 – 4 days after stopping the medication2. Symptoms include:

Barbiturate detox can be life-threatening, so it’s vital to do so under medical supervision.

Marijuana

Marijuana detox typically lasts 1 – 2 weeks1, and the symptoms are relatively mild compared to other detoxification processes. However, this can still be an uncomfortable experience. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety 
  • Feelings of fear or dissociation
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Poor appetite
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Gastrointestinal upsets
  • Night sweats
  • Tremors

Marijuana withdrawal can be safely worked through as long as you detox with medical supervision. 

Your Unique Experience Detoxing

Taking all of this into account, detox duration and experience can vary from person to person.

The detox process can negatively affect your co-occurring disorder(s)4 or vice versa. This could apply to medical disorders or mental disorders. Agitation, depression, or hallucinations can appear during detox, so if your mental health issues include these, they may be heightened during this process.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have. It’s very important that they take these into account when deciding what medication to give you, your tapering timeline, etc.

Medical Detox vs. Other Forms of Detox

Detox is a broad term, and the general definition is to rid the body of toxic things. When we hear “detox,” we may first think of using dandelion tea to cleanse our bodies, or holistically-based cellular detox. 

Medical detox, what we’ve been covering in this article, involves ridding the body of drugs or alcohol under the supervision of licensed medical professionals. Often, this involves using medication to assist the detoxification, like methadone and diazepam. 

Coming off of any substance could have negative or life threatening effects, so this process shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your detox beyond dandelion tea needs to be medically monitored for your own safety and well being.  

Detoxing Safely With Professional Guidance

Substance detox is a complicated process that requires professional guidance 24/71. Doctors can help you safely rid yourself of the substance. You could risk harming yourself if you detox without proper care. You might also relapse without the guidance of a doctor. Having professionals there helps make this uncomfortable experience as comfortable as possible. 

Post-Detox Transition and Treatment

Detox is a great start to recovery, but most of the time people will relapse if that’s the only care they receive1. The next part of your journey can include attending a residential or outpatient program to build your recovery toolkit with essential coping skills. In fact, SAMHSA emphasizes this as their 3rd pillar of detoxification5. These 3 components are 

  • Evaluation: testing how substance use has affected your body and creating a plan
  • Stabilization: medically assisted detox to get you to a stable, substance-free state
  • Fostering the patient’s entry into treatment: emphasizing the importance that you follow through with a substance abuse program to maintain your sobriety

During detox, you usually won’t participate in talk therapy because you’re in a susceptible, healing state. The real work and self growth comes after detox. During residential or outpatient care, you’ll work in individual and group therapy sessions using a variety of methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a highly effective treatment for addiction6. This is because it targets the thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns that are common in substance use disorder.

You can build a support network with your therapists, peers, and family. You’ll learn to identify the early warning signs of relapse. You can even participate in relapse prevention groups. And in treatment, you’ll have more time to solidify your new coping skills. 

Addiction is more than just using substances, and recovery is more than just detoxing from those substances. It’s impacted your perspective and how you think. Treatment can guide you back to a better place by shifting how you view yourself, your surroundings, and your future. 

 A Step Forward You can try your best to plan for what your detox may look like, but the bottom line is that there are a lot of variables. Detoxing safely with medical professionals ensures that the bumps along the road during this process can be molehills instead of mountains. Explore where your new journey will take you by starting with detox.

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The Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Drug use in teens is an increasing problem in the U.S. It’s important to recognize the signs of drug use in order to intervene and help teens struggling with addiction. Common signs of drug use in teens include changes in behavior, including mood swings, attitudes, and school performance. Additionally, physical signs can include red eyes, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in physical appearance. Finally, teens with drug addiction may show signs of financial or legal trouble, including stealing money or getting into trouble with the law.

If your child is using drugs, this recovery journey you’re about to embark on can not only help your teen, but it can also make your whole family grow closer. Getting teen treatment can set your child on the path to success. 

Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors of Drug Use in Teens

If you know what to look for, you can discover if your teen is using drugs or drinking alcohol. Be on the lookout for these signs:

Changes in mood:

  • Irritable
  • Withdrawn
  • Unable to focus
  • Depressed or hyperactive

Changes in appearance:

  • Unkempt appearance
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Flushed cheeks

Changes in behavior:

  • Sneaking out
  • Secretive about their phone or their whereabouts
  • Missing school or work
  • Hanging out with a new crowd of friends

How to Spot Drug Use in Teens

If you have a hunch your kid is using drugs, but you want to be sure, there are some things you can do to get a better idea of the situation:

  • Have eye contact conversations, and see if their eyes are bloodshot.
  • Smell for smoke.
  • Pay attention to their emotional state, this may be out of the norm.
  • Go through their belongings: This can be a sensitive topic. Giving your children the privacy they deserve is important, but if you are concerned about your teen’s safety and well being due to possible drug use, you may want to consider this option.

Teen Drug Use Statistics

 According to the National Institute on Drug Use, since the start of COVID-19, reported drug use has decreased1. This is likely due to school closure and social distancing (i.e. less peer pressure). Luckily, the downward trend has continued through the last couple of years; however, substance use still poses a threat.

The Most Commonly Used Drugs Amongst Teens

The most commonly used drugs reported in 2022 were nicotine/vaping, cannabis/marijuana, and alcohol. (Keep in mind that these are only the reported statistics. More teens likely use these substances and just don’t report it.)

  • 20.5% of 10th graders vaped
  • 19.5% of 10th graders ingested cannabis
  • 15.2% – 31.3% of 10th graders drank alcohol

While this downward trend provides some hope, research findings show dramatic and rising death rates in youth between the ages of 14-18. 

Also, it’s important to know that fentanyl, amongst other dangerous players, has contaminated the U.S. and worldwide drug supply2. This substance is extremely potent, meaning even the tiniest drop can make the user overdose. Fentanyl could be found in drugs like cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and heroin because it’s cheaper to cut these drugs with fentanyl than sell the pure substance.

Educating yourself on these dangers, and knowing how to help your child, is crucial for prevention, awareness, and recovery if/when needed.

Reasons Why Teens Use Drugs

Each teen has their reasons for using drugs. Here are some common factors that can push them to experiment.

  1. Peer Pressure: Being a teenager is hard, and they just want to fit in with their peers. If their best friend, or someone they admire, offers them drugs or alcohol, they’ll likely take it to feel accepted. 
  2. Media: TV shows, movies, and especially social media nowadays can show drug use as glamorous, normal, or fun. This can appeal to impressionable teens.
  3. Self-Medication: Mental health issues start to pop up around adolescence, and some teens may see the escape of drugs as a way to avoid these complex feelings.
  4. Experimentation: Teens are curious and ready to try new things, especially as they start to gain some freedom.
  5. To Feel Grown Up: Wanting to be a grownup and assert their independence can lead them to drinking or doing drugs.

Find Help for Teen Drug Use

So you’ve had the conversation with your teen about their drug or alcohol use. Now is the time to start gathering resources on how to help them.

  1. Gather Information: Begin by browsing programs for teens. Think through what you want to get out of this experience—for your child and your family. You may want to look for gender-specific care. These programs address hardships that boys and girls uniquely experience by giving them tools to face uncomfortable emotions and experiences. Gender-specific care also helps them focus on treatment without distractions. 
  1. Engage in Family Therapy: Family therapy will likely be an important part of the recovery process, for your teen and your whole family. Addiction education for loved ones is usually offered with this, as well. This gives clarity on your teen’s journey with substances and recovery. So when your child comes home after treatment, everyone will have the skills they need to maintain a healthy recovery environment.
  1. Be Supportive: Most importantly, be a rock for your child. They’re likely going through a confusing time, so having your support will make this process easier and improve their chances of success.
  1. Make Sure You Have Support: Give yourself grace through this journey. Helping your child through addiction recovery can be emotionally draining. You will have support from medical professionals, but other family members or friends can also provide support in this process. 

4A. Remember to prioritize your own self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and practice stress-reducing techniques.
As your kids grow older and start making their own decisions, you can act as a compassionate guide and lead by example. What you do from here on out is what matters most. A bright future awaits for your child with the right teen treatment.

find help for teen drug use
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Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Is One Safer Than the Other?

Alcohol and marijuana use are both socially acceptable, and they can both be dangerous. But is one safer than the other? That’s a complicated question—partly because “safety” means something different for everyone. No matter how safe a substance seems, addiction is always possible.

Alcohol Use 

It may feel like almost everyone you know drinks alcohol. Around the world, this is one of the most socially acceptable substances. In 2021, more than 78% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using alcohol at least once in their lifetime.1 

How Addictive Is Alcohol?

Alcohol addiction is more common2 than other drug addictions in the U.S. There’s no fixed timeline for how quickly or easily this condition develops. Depending on your genetics, your drinking habits, and other factors, it could take several years or just a few months for you to need treatment.

Several factors can give you a greater risk of addiction. For one thing, it depends on how long alcohol stays in your system. Some people get drunk faster than others, or have a naturally low tolerance to alcohol. If you keep drinking regularly, your tolerance will go up. That means you’ll have to drink more and more to feel the same effects. This cycle can quickly lead to addiction.

Binge and heavy drinking also play a significant role in developing alcohol use disorder. For many people, it’s perfectly safe to have a drink or 2 with friends on occasion. But if you’re getting drunk every day, or blacking out every time you go to the bar, you may be more vulnerable to addiction.

Risk Factors of Alcohol Use Disorder 

It’s easy to overlook the short and long-term consequences of excessive drinking.3 Alcohol abuse impairs your judgment, and it can lead to impulsive decisions. Experts note a few common short-term risks of heavy drinking:

  • Injuries like car crashes, burns, and falls are common when you’ve been drinking. In the U.S., 1 person dies in an alcohol-related car accident4 every 45 minutes.
  • Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency5 that can cause vomiting or seizures, and even be life-threatening. 
  • Risky sexual behavior may result in accidental pregnancy. It can also expose you to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes or HIV.

With ongoing alcohol abuse, you’ll also face certain long-term risks:6

  • Health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems, stroke, and liver disease
  • Cancer, including breast, throat, esophageal, and colon cancer
  • Mental illness such as depression and anxiety
  • Weakening of the immune system, which increases your likelihood of getting sick and makes it harder to heal from any illness
  • Memory and learning problems, which can cause problems at school or work
  • Relationship problems with loved ones, colleagues, and your wider community

When to Seek Help for Excessive Drinking 

Alcohol affects everyone differently. It might be hard to notice when your drinking becomes a problem. So how do you know when you cross the line?

This question is very personal. Drinking might not cause any major problems in your life at first, or ever. But if you’re wondering whether you need help, you might be onto something. In a sober moment, you can take an inventory of your behavior by answering a few questions:

  • Do you usually drink more than you planned? 
  • Can you go a whole day without drinking alcohol?
  • Do you drink at inappropriate times (at work, first thing in the morning, etc.)? 
  • Does drinking interfere with important parts of your life? 
  • Do you hide your drinking from other people?
  • Do you often make poor decisions when you drink?  
  • Are your loved ones concerned about your drinking habits?
  • Do you think you have an alcohol addiction?

With a clearer sense of your own drinking habits, you can decide on next steps. However, only a professional can diagnose you with alcohol use disorder. If you think you need help, you can contact a rehab or share your thoughts with a specialist.

Marijuana Use 

Between alcohol and cannabis, many people see marijuana as the lesser evil. You might not even know that weed is addictive.7 As legalization becomes more widespread in the U.S., so do studies shedding light on cannabis use, weed’s potential risks and benefits,8 and addiction.

Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana

When you use it safely, marijuana has many medicinal benefits.9 It’s especially helpful for people with chronic pain. Some see cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription opioids and other narcotics. Natural chemicals like THC and CBD, which appear in most strains of marijuana, also have several other effects.

For example, CBD oil can help with anxiety10 and depression. It can also protect against neurological issues like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. 

There’s no doubt marijuana can help people. But it’s up to you to decide if marijuana products will benefit you in the long run. Thinking about your relationship with substances is always a great place to start.

Is Marijuana More Addictive Than Alcohol? 

Whether marijuana is more addictive than alcohol is a complex question, and there’s no simple answer. On the surface, cannabis might seem like a medicine that does more good than harm. But just about any substance can be addictive11—even seemingly harmless ones like caffeine or ibuprofen. And marijuana is no exception. 

The health effects of marijuana use, however, are generally less risky than those of alcohol. Many studies suggest cannabis has a lower risk for health-related harms12 like cancer, death from severe withdrawal, and liver damage. And one study found that marijuana has a much lower risk of overdose than alcohol. Still, we need more data on weed and addiction.

Effects of Excessive Marijuana Use 

Abusing marijuana has both short and long-term impacts13 on your health. Some of its short-term effects might be enjoyable, but others are dangerous:

  • Enhanced sensory perception and euphoria: You may feel happy, and sights and sounds may become more profound.
  • Drowsiness and relaxation: Some strains of marijuana have more powerful sedative effects than others.
  • Slowed reaction times: Marijuana makes activities like driving more dangerous.
  • Problems with balance and coordination: Marijuana can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Anxiety: Marijuana can increase anxiety levels over time—not just while you’re using it.

Continuing marijuana use over time also has long-term effects:

  • Chronic cough and frequent respiratory infections: The more you smoke marijuana, the more harmful toxins go into your lungs. Over time, this can lead to serious physical problems.
  • Learning and memory problems: Studies show regular marijuana use alters memory,14 learning, and impulse control. 
  • Mental health issues: Excessive ongoing marijuana use can lead to anxiety,15 depression, and psychosis.

When to Seek Help for Marijuana Abuse 

It can be even harder to recognize marijuana addiction than alcohol abuse. If you think you might need help, you can start by answering these questions:

  • Do you usually use high doses of marijuana?
  • Is it hard to go a day without using marijuana? 
  • Do you use marijuana at work or school?
  • Is marijuana use causing problems in your life? 
  • Are you detaching from the people closest to you or spending most of your time with other friends who use marijuana?
  • Have you ever had a relapse after trying to stop using marijuana? 
  • Do you drive while high?
  • Are your loved ones concerned about your marijuana use?
  • Do you think you have a marijuana addiction?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, you might want to share your responses with a clinical expert. They’ll be able to give you a proper diagnosis and help you plan for the future.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Abuse

Treatment for marijuana abuse16 normally includes a combination of therapies. Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have access to a variety of options: 

It’s important to find a program that can support your personal goals for recovery. If you need help with marijuana addiction, learn more about treatment at marijuana rehabs.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse 

When you start treatment for alcohol addiction, you’ll probably need to attend detox first. Without proper medical care, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous or even fatal. Healthcare professionals can help you safely begin recovery.

Once you complete detox, your rehab may provide a variety of alcohol addiction treatment options:17

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
  • Family counseling
  • Medications
  • Peer support groups

Browse alcohol rehabs that offer these therapies and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Is alcohol or marijuana safer to use?

Both alcohol and marijuana can be dangerous substances, and addiction is a potential risk regardless of perceived safety. It’s important to exercise caution and make informed decisions about substance use to minimize potential risks and harms.

How addictive is alcohol compared to marijuana?

Alcohol addiction is more common than marijuana addiction. The development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) depends on various factors like genetics, drinking habits, and individual traits. Marijuana, though generally considered less risky, can still be addictive (as any substance can be). Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between marijuana use and addiction.

When should I seek help for alcohol or marijuana abuse?

Recognizing when to seek help for marijuana or alcohol abuse can be challenging. If you find either substance interfering with your life, or if you find yourself questioning your substance use, talking to a professional can be helpful.

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Can Weed Kill You?

Many drugs can be dangerous—but can weed kill you?

While there aren’t records of deaths as a direct result of cannabis, smoking weed still has significant risks that shouldn’t be ignored.

Marijuana is growing more and more socially acceptable. It seems like more states legalize cannabis in the U.S. every year. With such an abundance of legal weed, it makes sense to wonder about its safety.

Many people think marijuana is harmless. Understanding more about marijuana can empower you to decide if using it is in your best interest.

Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?

You’ve likely heard the term “gateway drug” used to describe marijuana. Some studies support this idea, while others dispute it. Data shows marijuana use typically comes before other drug use.1 Still, most people who use marijuana do not go on to try other substances. 

There are a few factors at work here. Your family history, mental health, and social life can play a role in marijuana use.2 Some people use weed with trusted friends as a way of connecting more deeply. Others smoke because of peer pressure, or to improve their social status. This is often an issue for teens. Research shows that using marijuana as an adolescent3 can increase the risk of addiction as a young adult. 

Is Marijuana Addictive?

It’s all too easy to overlook the risks of marijuana, partly because of its medicinal benefits. We still need more research on questions like, “Is marijuana deadly?” But so far, we do know that marijuana can be addictive.4 

Several factors can make this condition more likely. For example, new research suggests that marijuana addiction might be genetic.5 Dr. Arpana Agrawal, professor of psychiatry at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, says that public perception could be a barrier to treatment:

“Although many consider marijuana to be less addictive than other drugs, our findings clearly confirm that people can become dependent on cannabis and that cannabis use disorder has genetic and biological underpinnings.”

The amount of THC you consume6 also plays into whether marijuana is addictive. THC is just one of many cannabinoids in marijuana. And manufacturers are putting out new cannabis products at a dizzying speed. Many of these have high levels of THC and other cannabinoids—including synthetic ones. When you regularly ingest high levels of any cannabinoid, your risk of addiction goes up.

Other factors can influence the likelihood of marijuana addiction:

  • The perception of marijuana as a low-risk substance
  • Media and social media influence
  • Peer influence and acceptance
  • Someone’s general tendency toward risk-taking behavior (teens, for example, might be more inclined to take risks)

Potential Risks of Smoking Marijuana

Marijuana has wide-ranging benefits,7 from chronic pain management to aiding digestion. But like any substance, it has the potential for abuse. To keep yourself safe, it’s vital to understand the potential risks of smoking marijuana:8

  • Learning and memory problems: Regular marijuana use affects your memory, impulse control, and ability to learn.
  • Chronic cough: Smoking cannabis, cigarettes, or anything else can cause inflammation in your lungs. If you know someone who smokes marijuana often, you might notice they have a cough that just won’t go away. 
  • Frequent respiratory infections: Harmful toxins go into your lungs when you smoke.9 Over time, this can lead to serious health problems like lung damage and chronic bronchitis.
  • Mental health issues:10 Research suggests a link between heavy marijuana use and depression, anxiety, and temporary psychosis.

If you’re using marijuana for medical purposes like pain management, doing so as prescribed in a controlled manner can help you avoid abuse. 

Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on weed. But not all overdoses are fatal. In fact, experts say that both overdose and death from cannabis are very unlikely. To date, there’s no record of a person dying directly from marijuana use.11 

However, marijuana use has been linked to health risks and negative outcomes—like cardiovascular disease,12 lung cancer, traffic fatalities, and severe intoxication—that can lead to death.

Overdosing on marijuana13 can also have intense short-term effects that shouldn’t be overlooked:

  • Rapid heart rate
  • Panic
  • Depression
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Paranoia
  • Fear of dying

If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, overdosing on marijuana can exacerbate its symptoms. For example, people with schizophrenia may experience psychosis. 

These issues are especially common with certain forms of cannabis. In particular, weed edibles often lead to overdose.14 Unlike smoked products, edibles have to go through your digestive system before they kick in. People often take too much because they don’t feel the effects of the THC right away.

Know When to Get Help for Drug Abuse

It’s easy to feel like marijuana addiction isn’t that serious. But it’s worth getting to the root of anything that makes you feel out of control. If you’re considering rehab, being honest with yourself is the first step. You might start by answering the question: Do you think cannabis is making your life better or worse?

The National Institute of Health defines addiction15 as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” In other words, if a drug is hurting you, but you keep using it anyway, you might need treatment. If marijuana helps you manage chronic pain and has no negative effects on your relationships, it might not be an issue. But if you regularly skip work to stay home and smoke weed, it’s probably time to ask for help. 

Only a mental health professional can diagnose you with addiction. If you’re asking the question, it’s probably time to get an expert opinion. You can also call a confidential drug addiction helpline to learn more about recovery and plan what to do next.

If you decide to start treatment, your care team might recommend various types of therapy for marijuana abuse.16 There are countless ways to approach healing, but a few treatments are especially helpful for treating this addiction:

Browse our list of marijuana rehabs and learn more about available treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Use

Are there any deadly risks associated with smoking weed?

While weed itself isn’t considered lethal, there are potential negative outcomes associated with its use. These include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, traffic accidents, and severe intoxication that can lead to dangerous situations. It’s crucial to be aware of these risks and use marijuana responsibly to minimize potential harm.

Can marijuana kill you?

There’s no record of a person dying directly from marijuana use. But marijuana can impair functioning and lead to traffic fatalities, as well as other health risks that can ultimately be fatal.

Can marijuana use lead to addiction?

Yes, marijuana can be addictive. Factors like genetics, high levels of THC consumption, and public perception can contribute to marijuana addiction. It’s important to recognize the potential risks and consider seeking treatment if you feel marijuana is negatively impacting your life.

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Does CBD Help or Harm Sobriety?

The process of recovery is different for every person. For some, it includes the use of CBD. However, this is a controversial topic. Many believe that the use of any psychoactive substance, including prescribed medication, interferes with sobriety. And if you’re deciding whether or not CBD will play a role in your recovery journey, it’s important to remember that recovery isn’t about following universal rules. It’s a way to build a life that feels healthy for you.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of hundreds of active ingredients in cannabis. It’s readily—and legally—available in many areas. As more and more U.S. states legalize marijuana use,1 for medical and/or recreational purposes, CBD will likely become even more accessible.

Some areas have also decriminalized marijuana,2 with or without officially making it legal. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “This generally means certain small, personal-consumption amounts are a civil or local infraction, not a state crime (or are the lowest misdemeanor with no possibility of jail time).” This speaks to a cultural shift in perspective.

Cannabis is becoming more socially acceptable and more accessible over time.3 As this trend continues, more researchers are studying its potential medical applications. Some of this research centers around the use of cannabis to treat mental health.4 Some evidence suggests that CBD, in particular, may be beneficial for people in recovery from substance use.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid.5 That is, it’s a chemical substance that interacts with the human body’s cannabinoid receptors. Cannabis plants are believed to produce between 80-100 different cannabinoids. You may be more familiar with THC, which is the most prevalent cannabinoid we know of, and which produces a “high.” CBD is “the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis.”6

The Chemistry of CBD

There is much research to be done on all cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. However, these two chemicals are the best-known, and most-researched, cannabinoids to date.

Many experts describe a simple difference between these two compounds: THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not.7 However, this may be an oversimplification. According to one source, “A chemical is considered psychoactive when it acts primarily on the central nervous system and alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness or behavior.” Despite this distinction, it remains true that CBD, unlike THC, is not intoxicating.

There is a clear reason for this: CBD and THC have different neurochemical effects.8 Both CBD and THC act on the brain’s cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Even without the feeling of intoxication, CBD has a noticeable impact on brain chemistry and may be able to treat both physical and emotional symptoms.

The Experience of CBD

Research suggests that CBD may help treat anxiety,9 insomnia, chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and symptoms associated with substance use disorders. Some people use it to help with acute symptoms, such as panic attacks and pain flare-ups. Others take it daily, to manage chronic conditions.

CBD is available in several forms. Tinctures can be added to food or taken sublingually, delivering the cannabinoid directly to the bloodstream. Vape oils and high-CBD plant strains can be inhaled, taking effect more quickly but lasting for a shorter time. Lotions and salves are used topically, for a greater impact on localized physical pain.

The effects of CBD can last for a matter of hours,10 depending on the dosage and your metabolism. In some cases, it can cause mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

Medical Applications of CBD

Because it’s a relatively new subject of study, experts still have much to learn about the benefits and risks of CBD. To date, it’s believed to have a variety of medical applications.

Reportedly, more than 60% of CBD users find that it alleviates anxiety.11 In 2018, a purified version of the chemical was approved as a treatment for rare pediatric seizure disorders. It also regulates the perception of pain.12 Because of this, it may help treat conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.

There is some controversy about cannabis as a treatment for mental health conditions. However, preliminary research suggests that CBD may have antidepressant and antipsychotic qualities. And experts agree that CBD for addiction treatment is a promising area of study.13

CBD and Substance Use Disorders

A steadily growing body of research suggests that CBD may alleviate many of the symptoms associated with substance use disorders. According to one study, “the fact that patients with substance use disorders often present with various psychiatric and medical symptoms that are reduced by CBD—symptoms such as anxiety, mood symptoms, insomnia, and pain”14 suggests that this cannabinoid may help people in various stages of detox and recovery.

CBD is an especially promising option for people healing from opiate use. This is because certain cannabinoid receptors are co-localized with opioid receptors in the brain. As a result, CBD can have a direct impact on these receptors, which may help during withdrawal and detox.

Also, many people who overuse opiates do so because they experience physical pain. Because pain relief is one effect of CBD, the cannabinoid may decrease the underlying symptoms that lead to substance use.

Studies show that CBD may also be helpful for people recovering from cocaine and methamphetamines.15 Specifically, it has been shown to reverse “toxicity and seizures induced by cocaine, behavioural sensitization induced by amphetamines, [and the] motivation to self-administer cocaine.”

Beyond its application for recovery from these specific substances, CBD may help to alleviate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. According to one study, CBD can even help people quit smoking.16

While there are other medical treatments to aid in this process, CBD may be an even safer option, because it has a low risk of chemical dependency. “According to a report from the World Health Organization, ‘In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential17…To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.’”

Am I Still Sober if I Use CBD?

Although CBD is not believed to be habit-forming, it is still a substance. And people in recovery need to be mindful of how they use all medications. Because of this, it may or may not be appropriate for a person in recovery to use CBD.

One important part of recovery is learning to define what health means specifically for you. And your definitions of health and sobriety may change over time. As you approach these issues, it’s extremely important to stay true to yourself, and be honest with your mental healthcare team. You might also connect with a community that defines sobriety in a particular way, which may impact how you view your own recovery process.

Total Abstinence

For some people, sobriety means total abstinence from all psychoactive substances,18 including prescribed psychiatric medication. This strict boundary may even impact the way you approach your physical health. For example, some people in recovery from opiate use refuse narcotic medications at all costs, even when they have surgery.

There is nothing inherently right or wrong about this perspective. It has become common enough that most doctors can accommodate their patients’ needs without the use of these medications. It’s not an easy path, but for many people, it’s the right one.

Harm Reduction

Not everyone commits to total abstinence. And not everyone should. Some serious mental health conditions make prescription medications an absolute necessity. For example, people with bipolar disorder may experience debilitating depression if they abstain from mood stabilizers. At the end of the day, sobriety is meant to be a path toward health, not away from it.

Even Alcoholics Anonymous takes a nuanced approach to the idea of abstinence.19 They recommend that members who require medication continue to take it, but only if they can stay accountable to themselves, their communities, and their medical teams. It’s possible to use substances safely if you’re doing so under appropriate supervision.

As cannabis use becomes more and more culturally acceptable, we are likely to learn more about the medical applications of CBD, especially as relates to recovery from substance use disorders. Because of this, it may become more widely used by people who still consider themselves to be sober.

The Risks of CBD

Despite promising research, there are still some risks associated with CBD use. Although it’s not believed to be habit-forming, it is still a cannabinoid. And many CBD products include trace amounts of THC, which can sometimes be addictive. Studies suggest that 9% of people who smoke cannabis develop a dependence on it.20 For those without substance use disorders, that may be an acceptable risk. For some people in recovery, it may be too dangerous.

If you plan to use CBD in response to a substance use disorder, proceed carefully. Make sure to talk to your treatment providers about its potential risks and benefits, and find out if it can interact with any of your other medications.

Whether or not CBD is right for you, it’s important to be fully honest with yourself, your support network, and your healthcare providers about your experience. For example, if you decide to use cannabis in response to acute panic attacks, and then find yourself using it daily, this may be a warning sign. As with any other substance, it’s best to be mindful of the emotions you associate with its use. Like many other substances, it’s possible to use CBD appropriately. It’s also possible to misuse it, or to overuse it.

Finding Balance, With or Without CBD

As cannabis use becomes less stigmatized, people are starting to question whether or not it interferes with sobriety. There’s no clear answer to this. However, the same is true for most substances. If you’re recovering from cocaine use, can you still safely drink? If you’re recovering from opiate use, should you take Prozac? These questions are complicated, and the answers may vary from person to person. During rehab and recovery, you’ll likely start to define where the line is for you.

As you think about your personal history of substance use, you’ll start to distinguish between healthy and problematic behaviors. Are there ways you’ve used substances in the past that felt sustainable? In the process of recovery, are you still capable of approaching medication in that way? If you can incorporate CBD into a genuinely healthy lifestyle, it has many benefits. However, if you’re concerned about using it unsustainably, it may not be worth the risk.

With or without the aid of CBD, there are many ways to begin recovery. Learn more about private rehab programs here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using CBD in Recovery

Is it possible to use CBD while maintaining sobriety?

The definition of sobriety varies according to different recovery philosophies. Some people choose total abstinence from all psychoactive substances, including CBD. Others may take a harm reduction approach, considering the potential benefits of CBD for managing symptoms. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and determine what aligns with your recovery goals and personal definition of sobriety. Remember, recovery is a journey of self-discovery and finding the balance that works for you.

Are there risks associated with using CBD in recovery?

While CBD is not believed to be habit-forming, it’s still a cannabinoid and may contain trace amounts of THC. It’s essential to discuss CBD use with your treatment providers, as it may interact with other medications. Honesty with yourself, your support network, and healthcare providers is crucial in monitoring your CBD use and recognizing any warning signs of misuse or overuse.

Can CBD help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms during recovery?

CBD shows promise for alleviating addiction-related symptoms, including cravings and withdrawal, due to its impact on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It’s shown positive effects in helping people recover from opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine use. While CBD isn’t a standalone solution, it may be worth exploring as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if CBD is a suitable option for you.