Allow the pain of opiate withdrawal to be alleviated.
Drugs, also known as narcotics, are very powerful painkillers.If users withdraw from the drug quickly without slowing down, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms.It can be hard to deal with opiate withdrawal even for those who have stopped using the drug.There are ways to soothe the withdrawal symptoms.Clear any withdrawal treatments with your doctor before you use them.
Step 1: You can endure.
You may be more likely to fail if your task seems impossible.You should only attempt withdrawal after consulting with your doctor.It is possible that you will need to enter a rehabilitation program to make sure you are safe and that your symptoms are treated.If you want to encourage the belief that you can succeed, try to remember the struggles you have overcome.
Step 2: You should repeat to yourself that the pain won't last forever.
The withdrawal symptoms are temporary.At the end of the tunnel there is light.You should remind yourself of this before you attempt to endure the pain of withdrawal.Remember that the pain is temporary when you write notes to yourself.You can put one on your refrigerator, mirror, or any other place you frequent.It's important to remind yourself that people endure opiate withdrawal all the time.Knowing that others have been successful can give you hope.
Step 3: You can learn about the symptoms that may occur.
There are different types of pain that you may need to endure during opiate withdrawal.The peak of these is around 12 hours after stopping the drug.Agitation Anxiety Muscle aches Increased tearing Insomnia Runny nose Sweating Yawning
Step 4: You can learn about the late symptoms.
After last use of opiates, these are most likely to appear within 24 to 36 hours.Abdominal cramping, diarrhea Dilated pupils, goose bumps, and nausea are some of the symptoms.
Step 5: You should be aware of the possible problems that arise.
You may become dehydrated from vomiting.You can vomit and breathe stomach contents into your lungs.It's important that you enter withdrawal with the proper medical support.
Step 6: Sleep probably won't be easy.
It is hard to endure the pain of stopping opiate use during the night because of insomnia.There isn't much that can be done without the use of drugs.Benadryl can be effective for some.If nothing else works, try a warm bath and a cup of a hot, non-caffeinated beverage.
Step 7: You have to take it step by step.
One moment at a time is how long your opiate withdrawal will last.You only endure pain one moment at a time.Future pain has yet to come and pain in the past is a memory.Don't think about when you will be fully recovered.Do what you can to help you deal with the pain.
Step 8: It's time to watch for PAWS.
Post addiction withdrawal syndrome is called PAWS.After the initial withdrawal symptoms have passed, the symptoms of PAWS may appear.The inability to think clearly, Impaired reasoning, Repetitive and constrained thinking are some of the symptoms.
Step 9: Look for medical assistance.
Booking into a long-term rehab is one of the things that can be done with this.A taper plan involves professional assistance to help you stop taking your drug of choice so that withdrawal symptoms can be managed.If you don't speak to a doctor first, you should not attempt to taper.For at least a year before and after withdrawal, attend NA groups.The chance of a relapse may be lessened by this.If you want to find local resources, use the internet to search for "opiate withdrawal + help + the name of your city or zipcode".
Step 10: Over the counter medications can be used to relieve symptoms.
Over the counter medications can be used to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms.If using over the counter medications is a good option for you, speak to your physician.Ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to relieve pain.Imodium and other antidiarrheals can help with gastrointestinal problems.Take a bath.Adding some salts will give you a boost of pain relief.For this reason, it is not uncommon for detoxes and rehabs to have epsom salts on hand.You must be careful not to stay in the sauna too long.When in withdrawal, your body is already weakened and you may be dehydrated, so falling asleep in a hot tub or sauna can be disastrous.
Step 11: Get emotional support for yourself.
Understanding people can help you in your fight against opiate withdrawal.As you go through opiate withdrawal, you should spend as much time with a partner, family member, friend, or all of these people as possible.Pick the people who will be there for you when you need them the most and spend time with them.If you don't have a loved one nearby or would prefer to keep your addiction a secret, get help from a good counselor.
Step 12: Light exercise is what you want to do.
Don't push yourself too hard if you are very sore.Light stretching can be helpful.The body's natural opiate system is triggered by exercise.If only for a short time, exercise helped recovering addicts feel better.Try to listen to music that makes you want to keep working out.Don't push yourself too hard and listen to your body.
Step 13: Enjoy the shows.
If you want to get your mind off of your symptoms, engage in highly entertaining activities.Playing video games, reading, listening to music, watching a movie, or having a friend distract you can all be helpful.Get lost in the activity you are enjoying.Keeping track of time may keep you from being fully immersed in the moment, so put your clocks away.
Step 14: It's a good idea to eat healthy foods.
It's even harder to endure opiate withdrawal if you eat junk foods.It's important to eat healthy whenever possible.Lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are examples of healthy foods.
Step 15: Alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine should not be used.
If you are going through opiate withdrawal, be careful not to replace one addiction with another.While experiencing withdrawal, avoid other addictive substances as much as possible.
Step 16: You should reward yourself.
You thought about giving up and using again, but you didn't.If you treat yourself to something you enjoy, you will reinforce this behavior.It could be your favorite chocolate, something you've really wanted to buy for yourself but haven't yet, or your favourite food.Be proud of yourself for overcoming something that is very difficult and reflect on your accomplishment.
Step 17: Your doctor can recommend a prescription.
The doctor assisting you with your withdrawal may have suggestions for you to take.She may prescribe one of the drugs if she thinks it is a good idea.It can make opiate withdrawal easier.Buprenorphine helps to stop withdrawal symptoms.It is important to follow your doctor's instructions if you are prescribed it.If you want to get treated with methadone, it's a less addictive alternative.Depending on where you live, methadone can be effective, although there may be restrictions for who can get on it.Should you choose to pursue this option, be sure to ask your doctor if you qualify.