Develop These Habits to Fight Opioid Withdrawal

Opiate addiction is a serious problem that is destroying the youth of America and many other corners of the world. The number of opioid medications overdose deaths has increased substantially in the past decade and the number is steadily growing. Opioid withdrawal does not let these users get free from the shackles of substance abuse.

However, there are some habits that one can develop to wean off opioids and fight their withdrawal period. The most commonly used drugs are opioid pain relievers, pain medicine, prescription opioids, and high-dose opioids.

Withdrawal is the most difficult period for anyone who is trying to get off of substance abuse and opioid abuse. It is difficult to get through but not if you have strong willpower and you follow some simple steps in your life.

Drink a lot of water

Water is an important factor when it comes to your body trying to fight withdrawal symptoms. Water has a lot of healing properties and not only does it help in fighting off withdrawal it also helps your body to develop antibodies and immunity. Staying hydrated at all times should be your main priority if you want to really defeat your opioid addiction for good.

Exercise daily

Physical activities and exercise are great ways to distract yourself and move towards a healthier opioid-free life. There are many kinds of physical activities that can help you out even the simplest ones like going out for a jog every day can seriously have a huge positive impact on your health and condition. You can go to the gym, try out some relaxation techniques like yoga classes or even go for some meditation sessions. The point is to get your body busy in a healthy activity so your mind can block out the withdrawal symptoms.

Eat healthy & wholesome food

Eating healthy food can have a huge impact on your journey of quitting opioids for good. Eating healthy means that your body gets all the required vitamins, minerals, and nutrition that are needed to develop a healthy immune system. With a healthier immune system, you can fight back the cravings and withdrawal symptoms more effectively. Start eating more fruits, vegetables, red meats, and protein and you will soon start seeing a difference in how you feel.

Take your medication regularly

Your therapist or doctor will prescribe you some medicines to keep your system clear and maybe even to ease you off from the chronic pain that comes along with opioid withdrawal. Your prescribed medicines are key in helping you fight your withdrawal symptoms. Try not to miss any dose and only take the dosage that is prescribed by your doctor, nothing more and nothing less.

Get plenty of rest and relaxation

Your body needs time to adapt to the new opioid-free life and if you stress yourself out too much fatigue can take its toll on your recovery. Try to avoid situations where you’re pushed over your mental and physical boundaries. Take time to relax, go out in nature or maybe binge-watch your favorite shows. You need to realize that rest is key in getting your mind and body relaxed, you must find time in the day to chill out and let go.

Keep yourself busy with things you enjoy doing

Sitting free or doing things that you don’t like can often trigger your withdrawal symptoms. You need to keep yourself busy with things that you really enjoy doing. If you like fishing try going out to do that at least once a week or maybe you like listening to music, keep your mind distracted listening to the music that you really like. It can be anything as long as you don’t find yourself stressed out or thinking too much while you’re doing it. The main goal is to keep yourself engaged in activities that you like so you don’t spiral into an episode of relapse, withdrawal, or general depression.

Coping & Relief

Depending on your medical condition you could experience withdrawal symptoms quite certainly, so consult with your family doctor or other medical professionals. However, most people need addiction treatment through onsite rehab programs and hospitalizations. If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of any pain medication, you should have it written down and ask your medical counselor if it is possible.

When you take prescription opioid medication, you should ask yourself this question. Is opioid pain medication safe and effective for you? Do you really need them to cope with your withdrawal?

Long-term treatment & pain medication

In many cases, the signs of withdrawal usually resolve in a matter of weeks. When symptoms are persistent, they may become worse. Quitting opioid drugs isn’t easy and may require a long-term recovery program and addiction treatment to get out of opiates. Drug abuse can lead you to long-term dependence on opioid pain medications.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms of withdrawal may vary in severity, depending on the dosage of the drug taken or frequency of use of the substance or its effects. Some early symptoms can range from:

• Chronic Pain
• Depression
• Hot/Cold feeling
• Fever
• Digestion Problems
• Lack of hunger
• Severe pain in body
• Insomnia
• Flu-Like Symptoms
• Runny nose
• Acute Pain
• Muscle Aches

Emmaus Medical & Counseling helps individuals quit opioid abuse and substance abuse, and fight opioid withdrawal symptoms. Our substance abuse treatment ranges from opioid medication & medical detox to managing withdrawal symptoms through therapy. We have experienced addiction counselors and therapists that will help you along your journey and guide you on how to get off opiates. Get in touch with us today to learn more!