Dealing With Opioid Withdrawals

Physical dependence on any substance can mean pain and discomfort when you choose to finally stop. Opioids can be especially difficult to stay away from, as the chills, aggression, nausea, shaking, and other withdrawal symptoms can interfere with what has become normal functioning for you. If your doctor has agreed that you can remain home during this uncomfortable period, before beginning, place your attention on these withdrawal recommendations.

Get Medication for Symptoms

There are very few medications currently on the market for Opioid Withdrawal Relief. If a doctor considers your health to be stable enough to make you a good medication candidate, you could receive the prescription and begin to use it for withdrawal relief. These medications are generally non-addictive, so you can take them without worry that you will be giving up your opioid addiction for another dependence problem.

In addition to those medications, you can treat individual symptoms with medicines found at local drugstores. For example, medication for diarrhea--one withdrawal symptom--is easily found in those stores. You may require medications for multiple symptoms. If you can manage symptoms before they are out of control, that could help. Make sure you're asking your doctor about dosage amounts and possible interactions between drugs.

Arrange Support

If possible, having loved ones or good friends nearby will ease your withdrawal concerns. They can cook meals, help clean, and talk with you. If someone isn't available to be with you, consider online support groups or ones you can join beforehand at your local hospital.

Try Therapy

After a period of days, when you finally begin to feel less ill, it will be time to consider therapy. Physical dependence on opioids may be losing steam, but you must explore the reasons they were so desirable to you. How did you begin taking them? Why didn't you stop before you were addicted? Your therapist will discuss the real issues which caused you to go on this dangerous path. By doing so, they will give you coping tools and different perspectives with which to face your future. By talking about life and your addiction, you may discover you feel better about what life could bring for you without drugs.

At every withdrawal stage, check in with your physician for encouragement and to update them about what you're doing and taking. Their knowledge can ease your mind while coping with symptoms. One day soon, recovery will feel better.