People struggling with opiate addiction are often advised to seek out substance replacement therapy. This can include methadone, Suboxone, and buprenorphine. However, using these therapies to help detox is only one of the many things you can manage withdrawal symptoms. We’ve compiled some of the things that can help you with opiate withdrawal.
Nutrition Supplements
The first recommendation is to take nutrition supplements. When people are detoxing from drugs, they tend to have nutritional deficiencies in their bodies that can worsen the physical symptoms of withdrawal. For example, when you’re coming off opiates, it’s common for people to have vitamin D deficiencies. People often report feeling better if they take a vitamin D supplement. Other supplements such as fish oil and a multivitamin might also help with opiate withdrawal.
Rehabilitation
There’s no doubt about it; the best way to help with opiate withdrawal is to go through rehab. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a residential or outpatient treatment program. When people are in rehab, they’re in a safe environment that’s designed specifically for them. This can be an opportunity to learn how to cope with the physical symptoms of withdrawal and work on the underlying reasons that lead them to use opiates in the first place.
The best treatment for opiate withdrawal can come from a multidisciplinary team that can address all contributing factors. By working together, the staff and clients can develop solutions to address each individual’s needs.
Restrain Your Thoughts
Think of opiate withdrawal symptoms as one big chunk of time. For example, when you’re going through opiate withdrawal, you might take a step back and see the disease in its entirety. You might not feel like it right now, but it’s important to remember that your withdrawal symptoms will one day be over. Eventually, this time will seem like a distant memory.
Do Something Creative
It’s common for people going through opiate withdrawal to experience some depression or anxiety. It’s also common to feel tired and unmotivated. One way to handle this is to do something creative. Pick up a paintbrush, play an instrument, or draw. When you’re in the middle of a creative process, it can be hard to focus on anything else, so you won’t have time to worry about your symptoms.
Look for a Practitioner
If you’re going through opiate withdrawal and want to get help, find a substance abuse counselor or therapist. Finding one that specializes in opiate withdrawal can help with the process. They are trained to treat opiate withdrawal symptoms and any underlying problems contributing to your addiction. They will also be able to treat the other problems that might be contributing, such as your mental health and past trauma. A counselor can help you reach a point where opiate withdrawal symptoms are no longer part of your life.
Exercise
Exercise is like taking a powerful medicine that turns off the body’s stress hormone system. Exercise triggers the production of natural painkillers in the body’s central nervous system. People who exercise regularly can feel better on the front lines of opiate withdrawal. This is because exercise can help with depression and anxiety.
Increase Water Intake
It’s common to feel like you’re dehydrated during opiate withdrawal. Although you might not notice it now, it’s normal to start having some withdrawal symptoms within a few days of quitting opiates. You might recognize dehydration by using your tongue to run across the roof of your mouth when drinking water. If it tastes like chalk, that’s a sign that you’re dehydrated. Drinking more water and getting some salt into your diet will help you feel better.
Stimulants
You can use stimulants to help with opiate withdrawal. These include coffee, black tea, and sodas. A stimulant is also sometimes called “energy” or “up.” Coffee reduces stress and makes people feel better while using it. Many people can’t go through opiate withdrawal without drinking caffeine, so this is something to consider if you’re struggling with opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Support Groups
Opiate withdrawal is a challenging experience that can bring many emotions out into the open. You might feel tempted to hide what you’re going through from others. However, this can be a good time to reach out and take part in support groups and 12-step meetings that are nearby. Whether you’re looking for answers or just somebody who can relate, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.
Get Medical Attention
If you’re worried about your opiate withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to get medical attention. The reason it’s so important is that it can take some time for symptoms to disappear completely. By getting medical help, you can be proactive and get on a treatment plan to improve your health and make you feel better.
Conclusion
Ultimately, overcoming opiate withdrawal is possible if you have the right support and know what to expect. By working with a qualified treatment team and following the tips above, you can start recovering from opiate withdrawal symptoms today.
If you’re ready to withdraw from opiate, call us today at 833-820-2922 for assistance. We’re here to help you through the challenges of opiate withdrawal and can help you get the treatment you need.