Warning: This article discusses drug use, which may be distressing for some readers.
A former marijuana user, who is also a doctor, has shared his experiences of quitting the drug and the withdrawal symptoms he endured.
Historically, marijuana has been categorized with some of the most dangerous substances, influenced by longstanding anti-drug attitudes. However, public perception of cannabis has evolved over time.
In the United States, the legal status of cannabis has changed significantly, with 24 states permitting its recreational use and 40 states allowing it for medical purposes.
Despite its legality, marijuana use can still come with potential challenges, much like other substances.
Dr Frank Michalski, a chiropractor and certified addiction recovery coach, shared his personal encounter with marijuana, explaining that he consumed it nightly for eight years, from the ages of 19 to 27.
In an interview, he disclosed that he developed acute psychosis and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition with severe side effects.
The Cleveland Clinic describes symptoms of CHS as including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malnutrition, weight loss, tooth decay, and dehydration.
While CHS can result from prolonged marijuana use, it doesn’t affect everyone who uses the drug long-term.
Dr Michalski ultimately made the decision to quit marijuana entirely, despite facing ‘terrible’ withdrawal symptoms.
He described the experience: “It was terrible. So you know, outside of coming out of an acute state of psychosis, then going right into a bout of like, insane insomnia, which is not good for psychosis, the insomnia was probably the worst.
“It made it very, very, hard to function day to day. The nausea and the body pain were extreme. I mean, I really like weightlifting. I wasn’t able to return to weightlifting until probably, like, a year, two years after quitting cannabis because my pain tolerance was so screwed up.
“[Overall] Insomnia, irritability, mood swings, anxiousness, like I had the whole gambit, like classics, all of our withdrawal symptoms that you would see with any other, any other substance.”
Nonetheless, Dr Michalski encouraged others not to let the fear of withdrawal symptoms stop them from attempting to overcome their addiction.
He acknowledged that while his experience was challenging, many others encounter only mild withdrawal effects and can cease cannabis use with relative ease.
On a positive note, the doctor observed immediate improvements in his health after quitting. He found that his sleep quality improved, contrary to his previous belief that cannabis aided in falling asleep.
Dr Michalski elaborated: “Cannabis is a sedative. I was falling asleep, but I wasn’t getting restorative sleep. So, after I got through the withdrawals, better sleep was a big thing.
“Better recovery in the gym, my pain tolerance eventually rebalanced itself out… my testosterone eventually rebounded nicely after a period of time of quitting, which also led to more energy, more muscle, building more confidence, more drive.”
If you need confidential advice about drugs, you can contact American Addiction Centers at (313) 209-9137, available 24/7, or visit their website.