Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
A former addict has revealed the worst symptom he experienced after quitting cannabis.
Also known as marijuana, weed, or pot, cannabis is arguably the most popular drug of choice. The drug also varies in legality from country to country, with weed being illegal in the UK since 1928.
Being caught with it in your possession can result in penalties ranging from warnings and on-the-spot fines to a prison sentence, depending on the amount that a person is caught with.
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However, this deterrent doesn't stop Brits from using cannabis, with 34 per cent of adults (aged 16 to 59) admitting to using the drug more than once a month, while 10 per cent smoked weed every day (via Priory).
Despite misconceptions, it's also possible for people to become addicted to smoking marijuana, with a former addict previously revealing five key changes he experienced after quitting, while one simulation depicted how sacking off the green stuff can change your body.
Although these symptoms are thought to impact 'chronic or heavy cannabis users' only, common symptoms from cannabis withdrawal include (via Cleveland Clinic):
• Anxiety
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• Depression
• Irritability
• Lowered appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Restlessness
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• Uncomfortable physical symptoms
So what's the worst part of detoxing your body from weed? Well, that would be the insomnia, according to an addiction recovery coach.
In a video titled 'Quitting Weed Survival Guide', YouTube channel Addiction Mindset, which was created by Dr Frank Michalski, who is a certified addiction recovery coach, shared a breakdown about what people looking to quit weed can expect to experience in the first weeks and months.
While he prefaced his video by saying that everyone's experience of withdrawal will be different, for him, insomnia was the worst. So why is that?
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"I remember the insomnia drove me crazy," Michalski explained, adding that when it comes to difficulty sleeping, it's important not to try to 'fight it'.
He went on to explain that attempting to combat insomnia can even lead to a person forming other addictions, saying: "More often than not we see people reaching for a bottle of booze to help them fall asleep... they start taking over-the-counter sleeping aids, prescription-based pills. Don't do this."
According to one study, withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, can develop within 24 to 48 hours after quitting and peak within the following two to six days. Such sleep disturbances can continue for several weeks after quitting.
Michalski went on to share a handful of tips for people currently struggling with such symptoms, such as taking warm showers before bed, exercising in the morning and getting out of bed and doing something when you're unable to sleep.
"Your body is trying to heal, your body is trying to restore its normal sleep patterns," he continued. "Let your body do its thing."
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If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week
Brenna Cooper