What Should I Know About Delta-8 THC and Other THC-Derivative Products?
Delta-8 THC is part of a wave of THC derivatives that have hit the market recently. The primary motive behind The most important thing you should know about Delta-8 THC and similar products is that they are not the same as the naturally occurring Delta-9 THC found in marijuana.
Products like Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC were primarily developed to work around federal and state laws prohibiting or restricting the sale of marijuana and products containing Delta-9 THC. These chemicals are different enough at the molecular level to be considered something other than the active ingredient in marijuana. The sharp increase in Delta-8 THC use has led to many questions about Delta-8 THC addiction and detoxification.
What are The Problems with Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC?
The first problem is that products sold as Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are not regulated by the FDA. This means there are no quality or purity controls. You have no way of knowing for certain what is in these products. It may be a naturally derived chemical extracted from hemp, or it may be a synthetic chemical unrelated to THC. Some of these products have even been found to contain synthetic cathinones or mephedrone, the dangerous active ingredients in “bath salts”.
The second problem is that very little research has been done into the effects of Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC on humans. Even if you get a genuine product, which is made by isolating these chemicals from hemp or CBD, it’s quite possible you will experience unexpected or unwanted side effects. The FDA had over 100 reports of adverse side effects in patients who used delta-8 THC products between 2020 to early 2022. Of course, these are only the incidents the FDA was notified about. There are thousands more accounts across the news, social media and police blotters.
Side effects of Delta-8 THC include:
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Is Delta-8 THC Addictive?
Yes, Delta-8 THC and its derivatives are absolutely habit-forming. Much like the Delta-9 THC cannabinoids found in marijuana, people often develop a powerful psychological dependence on Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is addictive in that sense. The physical addiction to Delta-8 THC leads to milder side effects than drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines and alcohol. But, make no mistake, a person who uses Delta-8 regularly and suddenly stops, is likely to have physical side-effects from cessation. T
Side effects from Delta-8 THC withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
How Do You Detox from Delta-8 THC and Similar Substances?
Delta-8 THC and similar substances do not appear to have powerful withdrawal effects the way that other substances like opioids, alcohol and benzodiazepines do. While people use use them regularly may experience symptoms if they stop using them abruptly, it is believed that there are no dangerous withdrawal effects, such as fatal seizures or extreme discomfort, i.e. diarrhea and vomiting.
However, this does not mean that anyone using Delta-8 THC or a similar drug should simply quit ‘cold turkey’ and try to tough it out without professional medical help. The data is quite clear on this. People who receive substance use disorder treatment are far more likely to retain their sobriety for the long term and to succeed in recovery.
The best way to detox from Delta-8 THC will vary from person to person. It may depend upon how much of the substance is being used and for how long. Whether or not any other drugs or alcohol are being used along with Delta-8 THC is also a factor to consider. In order to detox from Delta-8 THC, the most practical approach is to begin by asking for professional addiction help so you can proceed safely and with the best chance of success.
How to detox off of Delta-8 THC:
- Contact an addiction treatment program like Innovo Detox.
- Ask for an evaluation and treatment options and advice.
- Admit yourself for a medical detox, if recommended.
- Follow your treatment plan to the best of your ability.
Is a Medical Detox Needed for Delta-8 THC?
Generally speaking the physical withdrawal symptoms from using THC derivatives like Delta-8 THC by themselves are not considered dangerous. This usually means that a long inpatient stay for medical detox is not required, assuming the person is not using any other substances. That said, a patient may still be prescribed medications to help mitigate the symptoms they experience in order to make them more comfortable.
However, something to strongly consider is that there is a limited but alarming body of research that indicates that Delta-8 THC use can be associated with an increased risk of psychosis or non-negligible adverse psychiatric effects. As many as 65% of the people who admit to alcohol and drug treatment have a co-occurring mental health disorder like depression or anxiety. Receiving a diagnosis of a secondary condition like that along with treatment, which may include medication is very important. Undiagnosed and untreated mental health disorders are a major contributor to relapse events. This is one more reason why a professional evaluation by a drug treatment program for Delta-8 THC addiction is a wise first step toward recovery.
Innovo Detox is The First Stop in Your Recovery Journey
Innovo Detox is committed to the success of every person we have the privilege of treating. Together, we will develop a treatment and recovery plan that best suits your needs.
If you have any questions about Delta-8 THC addiction or treatment for substance use disorders, Innovo Detox can help. One call to our confidential detox hotline is all it takes to get answers.
You can reach Innovo Detox anytime by calling (717) 971-4566 or connect with us through our contact page here.