Agressive Behaviors During Marijuana Withdrawal

Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug throughout the United States. According to the 1997 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, more than 11 million people have smoked marijuana within the past month. Regular, long term use of marijuana can leave to the individual developing an addiction. As the addict uses the drug compulsively, they will most likely be faced with problems in their personal, professional and social life. There will also be physical and psychological consequences to marijuana abuse, such as chronic cough and depression. Despite the knowledge of the negative effects marijuana is having on their health and life, many addicts will continue its use.

Marijuana Addicts Experience Aggression During Withdrawal

According to a new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School, people who have smoked marijuana on a daily basis for several years display more aggressive behavior when they stop smoking the drug. The aggressive behavior is thought to be a symptoms related to marijuana withdrawal syndrome, along with insomnia, restlessness, loss of appetite, and irritability. While these symptoms of withdrawal are less severe than alcohol, opiate, or cocaine withdrawal, many marijuana addicts will turn to the drug for relief from these symptoms.

Treating Marijuana Withdrawal

It is possible to quit marijuana cold turkey. However many who do will lash out at their loved ones in anger, some quickly turning back to the drug to find a sense of normalcy. Turning to an outpatient or residential treatment facility will allow you to keep focused on your sobriety, develop coping skills to deal with life’s stress and handle your aggression rather than taking it out on the ones you love.