You will have to deal with withdrawal symptoms once you kick an addiction.If you are dealing with nicotine withdrawal, a combination of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy can be helpful.You should not attempt to manage alcohol or narcotics withdrawal symptoms alone.Make sure you talk to your doctor as soon as you're ready to quit because you will need serious medical attention to get through withdrawal.
Step 1: Seek help with alcohol or drug withdrawal.
Without medical supervision, the withdrawal your body undergoes after quitting alcohol, narcotics, and benzodiazepines can be deadly.Make an appointment with your doctor when you decide to quit.Tell them how much you consume and how long you've been using it.Your doctor will use this information to come up with a treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Attend rehabilitation.
You will need to be admitted to an in-patient rehabilitation center if you have been drinking or using drugs.You should be able to find a treatment center that you can afford if your doctor tells you you need rehab.If your insurance is paying for your rehab, or if there is a state-sponsored option, you may be put on a wait list, as affordable rehab centers are very high in demand.You can improve your chances of admission by asking politely if you are close to being admitted.You might be offered an outpatient option.Your doctor can give you advice on what to do.
Step 3: Ask for medicine for withdrawal.
Over-the-counter medicine can help, but you can't quit everything.You are more likely to be prescribed withdrawal medicine if you're at home or in rehab.If you are withdrawing from narcotics, talk about taking buprenorphine or methadone.During your withdrawal period, these can be taken to treat symptoms and reduce cravings.As part of a long-term recovery plan, naltrexone is often used after a person has stopped using opiate drugs.It doesn't reduce cravings.It doesn't reduce cravings, but it does treat narcotic withdrawal symptoms.Take a small amount of the drug.If you are addicted to benzodiazepine, your doctor will give you a decreasing amount of them to take over the course of several days.The medication should be taken as prescribed.It is possible for a doctor to write a prescription for nicotine withdrawal.If over-the-counter methods aren't working for you, ask your doctor.
Step 4: The emotional effects of withdrawal can be treated by a therapist.
Negative emotions might persist even after the initial withdrawal period.A general state of reduced well-being and a strong craving for drugs or alcohol are included.It is possible to stay sober if you see a therapist regularly.You may continue to see your rehab counselor on an outpatient basis if your doctor refers you to one.If you're struggling, tell your therapist.They can help you stay clean.
Step 5: Take medication to regulate your mental health.
You may be advised by your doctor or rehab counselor to take medication to deal with the effects of withdrawal.Talk to your doctor about long-term use of any medication that will help you stay sober in the future.Ask your doctor if you have a bad reaction to your medication.Stimulant withdrawal can be treated with anti-psychotics.Depression may be treated with anti-depressants.Antiadrenergic agents can help treat anxiety after withdrawing from narcotics.
Step 6: Pains can be alleviated with over-the-counter drugs.
If you are getting headaches and body pain during withdrawal, non-prescription medicines like aspirin, or Ibuprofen are good choices.Don't take more than the recommended dose.First consult a doctor if you want to mix painkillers.
Step 7: Constipation and diarrhea are treated.
bathroom problems come with withdrawal.Take the suggested amount of over-the-counter medications.Stay hydrated and exercise as well.Milk of magnesia will make you feel better.It's a good idea to take pepto-bismol.
Step 8: Nicotine replacement therapies can be tried together.
Nicotine replacement therapies are available if you are fighting nicotine withdrawal.They have patches, mouth sprays, and gum.When using nicotine replacement therapies, be sure to follow your doctor's advice as combining multiple therapies could cause serious health issues.Ask your doctor for prescription withdrawal medication if you aren't having success.
Step 9: Benadryl can be used for insomnia.
If you're having trouble sleeping during withdrawal, take a dose of diphenhydramine at night to help you sleep.You can buy it at the pharmacy.Take the amount indicated on the packaging, and make sure it is safe to take with any other medication.
Step 10: Stay hydrated.
It's important to drink lots of fluids as you go through withdrawal.Staying hydrated can be accomplished by drinking tea, water, and fruit juices.Don't drink coffee in the evening if you're a regular coffee drinker.Coffee and withdrawal make it hard to sleep.
Step 11: Eat a lot of meals.
You might find that you aren't very hungry during withdrawal.If you don't have much appetite, try to eat regular meals.It is helpful to eat 6 small meals each day.As your body heals, it's important to nourish it.Some types of withdrawal can cause nausea and vomiting.You can eat easy foods on your stomach.
Step 12: Good sleep hygiene is practiced.
The room should be dark and quiet.Sleeping 8 hours a night will help you recover.Ask your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.Go to bed and relax.Prepare, take a bath, and relax around the house.Before you shut your eyes, avoid screens for an hour or two.If you can't relax without television, make sure you watch something lighthearted.
Step 13: You should ask for support from your loved ones.
You can go through this on your own.The people who care about you will make recovery much easier.Let your community know what's going on.Friends or family members can be part of your support group.If you're struggling, ask a few people if it's okay to text or call.Make plans to hang out with your friends.You can go on a hike if you're ready.You can watch a movie if you're feeling bad.
Step 14: You can join a support group.
The support you need to stay clean and sober can come from attending NA or AA meetings.All over the United States, NA and AA meetings are available.You can find daily meetings in your area by visiting the websites.
Step 15: Distract yourself.
When you're going through withdrawal, the desire to use alcohol or drugs can be overwhelming.If you get a craving, distract yourself from it.You can watch TV, cook a meal, go to the gym, or read.Distraction is an effective way to cope.Do something else if you don't want to do anything.Laughter will make you feel better.There are uplifting comedies and children's cartoons.There are funny books.Don't watch violent dramas before you go to sleep.
Step 16: You should remind yourself that this will only get better.
Your symptoms will be the worst in the first few hours.If you feel like you can't go on, remind yourself that this is the worst and it will get better.Speak to yourself using your name.Ryan, you are going to get through this.The worst is almost over.There are good days and bad days, but the worst days are about to end.