Drugs which are derived from opium, like codeine and morphine, are known as opiates. People who get addicted to opiates and later seek to recover from the addiction will have a very painful time dealing with the withdrawal. Symptoms of opiate withdrawal include extreme muscle pain, diarrhea, insomnia, hot flashes, and so on. In this post, we will look at eight tips that will help you deal with opiate withdrawal.
Proper Hydration
Ensure that you remain properly hydrated all day long. Many people who have been addicted to opiates often experience dehydration during withdrawal. As a consequence, you might start sweating excessively. Dehydration can also cause diarrhea and vomiting. Constipation is also very frequent among people experiencing opiate withdrawal. The only way to counter such effects is to consume as much water as you can. Typically, dehydration will deplete the body’s magnesium, calcium, and potassium. As such, it is very important that you drink water that has these minerals during the withdrawal phase.
Reduce Opiate Intake Slowly
Many people try to cut down opiate consumption significantly. Unfortunately, sudden large reductions in opiate consumption will not help you get rid of the addiction. In fact, it can have the opposite effect – the withdrawal symptoms can be nerve-racking and unbearable. So, reduce the intake of opiates by a small amount each day. This should be good enough to help you avoid serious withdrawal effects. It is also recommended that you get the help of a rehab facility in case you are not too confident about cutting back on opiates on your own. Consider yourself Welcome To White Sands Treatment Center – Drug Rehab Tampa in case you are looking for a reputed rehabilitation facility anywhere near Tampa.
Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is created by burning plants at high temperatures in an environment that is devoid of oxygen. This allows the residual material to develop pores which are capable of absorbing the various toxins in your body. As a result, activated charcoal can be used as a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory substance during the withdrawal phase. It will decontaminate your digestive system and soothe out any inflammation.
Get Painkillers
One of the biggest challenges that most recovering addicts faces will be the incredible muscle pain. Opiates tend to ease oneself from pain. As such, when an addict starts to reduce the quantity of opiate, the absence of the substance can make the person feel pain in their muscles and bones. In some cases, this can become so intense that you won’t be able to sit or lie down properly. Muscle cramps are also normal during this stage. So, remember to stock on painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin, and so on to help you get through the pain.
Passionflower
People going through opiate withdrawal might also experience depression and anxiety. And for this, passionflower can act as a good solution. They are known to contain compounds that make a person feel calm and tranquil. This can effectively combat any depressive thoughts that can emerge during withdrawal. In addition, it can also relieve you from pain or cramps in the muscle. Plus, for people having trouble with sleeping, the sleep-inducing compounds of passionflower should help you get a good rest.
Room Temperature
You might also experience random chills and goosebumps from time to time. As such, it is recommended that you keep your home at a regular temperature throughout. Never make it too hot or cold as this can cause you great discomfort. And as far as possible, wear loose, comfortable clothing rather than tight ones.
Avoid Stress
Try to avoid feeling stressful during the withdrawal phase. There is a good chance that you will already be in an irritated state in withdrawal. As such, if you put yourself in extremely stressful situations, then you might be tempted back to using the opiates to relax. So, if you are in a relationship where the other party puts too much stress on you, then stay away from the relationship until you have dealt with the withdrawal. And if your job involves too much stress, the try to minimize your workload if you can.
Happy Activities
Finally, remember to indulge yourself in activities that make you happy and boost up your spirits. Go out for a trip with friends or play some video games with your nieces or children. Whatever you do, make sure that you have a great time with your loved ones. Being happy will help you avoid feeling depressed during withdrawal, which will make it even more easy for you to have a full recovery from the opiate addiction.