First week changes
The first week of cutting down or stopping can feel strange. Some parts feel better, some feel rough. This page walks you through what often happens in that first week so you know what is normal.
This page focuses on one stage. For the full picture, see the
weed withdrawal timeline.
What changes in the first few days
The first couple of days can feel almost easy or “not that bad”. Your old routine is still close, and your body has not fully reacted yet. You might feel a bit off, but nothing dramatic. This is the calm before things shift a bit more.
After a few days, you may notice your sleep change, your mood move up and down, and cravings pop up at familiar times. None of this means you are doing it wrong. It is just your system reshuffling.
Common things you may notice this week
Not everyone feels the same, but a lot of people share similar shifts in week one. If you notice some of these, you are not on your own.
- Lighter or broken sleep for a few nights.
- Stronger or clearer dreams.
- Cravings at the same times you used to smoke.
- Feeling restless, bored or “itchy” in the evenings.
- Moments of doubt where you question why you are doing this.
These changes are part of the shift. They usually ease quicker than your head tells you they will.
Good signs that do not always feel good
Some of the rough bits in week one are actually signs that your body is adjusting. They do not feel great, but they often mean the change is real and not just a thought in your head.
- You notice time moving slower without being stoned.
- You feel more of your day, both the good and the awkward bits.
- You become more aware of how much you used weed to fill gaps.
It can feel uncomfortable at first, but it is how you get back to living on your own terms and not on auto-pilot.
Simple ways to get through week one
Week one is not about smashing huge goals. It is about getting through each day in one piece. These small steps help a lot.
- Keep food, sleep and wake times roughly the same each day.
- Give yourself one small thing to do each morning so you are not drifting.
- Use short walks or a quick tidy-up when cravings spike.
- Tell yourself you only need to get through today, not the rest of your life.
- Go easy on yourself if you feel snappy or flat. It will pass.
You do not need to enjoy this week. You just need to get through it. The benefits usually start to show soon after.
What to read next
These pages give you more detail on what happens next and how to keep going once the first week is out of the way.