Withdrawal Symptoms: How to Manage Them At Home
If you’re going through withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, chances are you might experience some symptoms of withdrawal. Depending on your substance of choice and the substances used to treat your addiction, these symptoms can vary in severity. However, whether they’re mild or severe, having them can be scary and confusing. This article will help you understand what withdrawal symptoms are and how to manage them at home until you can see your doctor or therapist to address them in person. If you’re going through alcohol detox, your body, and mind are likely struggling to return to normalcy. Common withdrawal symptoms include tremors, confusion, sweating, and sleeplessness. While detox can be an extremely trying time, with the right knowledge and support, you can make it through successfully and live a healthier life as a result. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that occur when you stop taking a substance you are dependent on, such as medication or alcohol. These symptoms may be psychological or physical, and they can vary widely depending on the drug and the person who is experiencing them. Some withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable, but they can also provide insight into your drug use, how it affected your body, and why it’s important to seek help from an addiction specialist when trying to quit a drug habit. Read on to learn more about withdrawal symptoms and how to manage them at home. List of withdrawal symptoms Fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms. You may also experience headaches, sweating, and shaking. Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to deal with, but there are some things you can do to make them more manageable. Give yourself plenty of time for sleep each night, exercise regularly, and get enough rest during the day. You must maintain a healthy diet while going through withdrawal as well. Avoid alcohol and other drugs while withdrawing from benzodiazepines, as they can complicate the process. If possible, gradually taper off your dose instead of stopping abruptly. If you need any clarification about what medications will work best for your particular needs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Everyone responds differently to medication, so it is important to find out which one works best for you. Meds only work if taken consistently every day. No two people’s journeys will be the same, but there are many tools available that can help with managing withdrawal symptoms and making it less uncomfortable. One of the most indispensable things you can do is to give yourself adequate time to heal physically and emotionally before considering returning to work. Your company should provide resources such as disability, paid leave, or short-term counseling sessions that can help get you back on track after withdrawal. Research has shown that employees who return to work too soon following an addiction relapse often face a higher risk of relapse than those who take an extended break. The longer you’re away from work, the better prepared you’ll be when it comes time to return. In fact, research has shown that individuals who take an extended break in between jobs due to substance abuse disorders have an increased likelihood of employment stability and long-term success in their career over those who don’t take this kind of break. Checklist of what you need to help with withdrawal A clear plan and timeline for withdrawal, created thanks to a medical professional. A support system in place, including close friends or family members who can offer emotional support. A safe and comfortable environment at home, free from triggers that could cause a relapse. Coping mechanisms in place for dealing with difficult withdrawal symptoms, such as acupuncture or meditation. A plan for aftercare and ongoing recovery, such as therapy or 12-step meetings. The name and number of an addiction specialist on hand in case you need it. Medical treatment options should you develop withdrawal complications, such as opioid replacement therapy (OAT) for heroin addiction or methadone for opiate addiction. Contacts for people who are going through the same process, so you don’t feel alone during this time—even if they’re not someone you know personally, but someone you find online or through social media groups like Narcotics Anonymous’ Partners (NA). Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest and take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, engaging in hobbies and spending time with loved ones. With these steps in place, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unpleasant feelings that come up while withdrawing. Dealing with the difficult parts, like headaches and nausea The first step is acknowledging that you’re going to feel awful for a little while. It’s important to realize that these symptoms are only temporary and will eventually go away. That said, there are things you can do to make the process more bearable. For example, drinking many fluids, getting plenty of rest, and eating healthy foods can help your body recover more quickly. Keep in mind that it’s significant not to take any other medications without speaking with your doctor or pharmacist first. A few supplements may also be helpful for managing withdrawal symptoms. These include vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, lysine, and zinc as well as over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Anvil) or aspirin (Exception). Your doctor may prescribe something stronger if necessary. Remember, all pain relief medications carry some risk of addiction, so it’s indispensable to use them sparingly and with behavioural therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Other treatments for drug dependence include pharmacological treatments, medication-assisted treatment (methadone or buprenorphine), support groups, twelve-step programs and rehabilitation centres. Every so often, these treatments work best when combined. Regardless of what form they take, it’s important to remember that quitting drugs doesn’t happen overnight. For most people, recovery takes time and is frequently difficult—but worth the effort! There are many ways to manage withdrawal symptoms. Some people find comfort in distraction, but others prefer emotional release through expressive arts. Talk therapy is also very effective,
