The brain’s chemical composition is altered by alcohol and drugs, and chronic usage of these substances can lead to dependency. After dependency develops, the chemistry and circuitry of the brain strive to manage the process of alcohol or drugs leaving the body, resulting in symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can vary in intensity, duration, and kind depending on the substance taken, the abuse technique, the degree of reliance, and whether the person has any co-occurring illnesses.
Treatments to Explore
Withdrawal treatment includes emotional and mental health support and medicines that can lessen symptoms and help avoid serious side effects.
However, immediately ceasing to use substances including alcohol or benzodiazepines might be harmful, so talk to your doctor about developing a detoxification plan first. When you’re going through a medically assisted withdrawal, you can stay safe while minimizing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Attend a Medical Detoxification Program
Withdrawal management experts recommend this approach. Abstinence syndrome (AS) is a severe medical condition that may lead to physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. According to the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), a possibly fatal side effect of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens (DTs) affects 3% to 5% of individuals going through alcohol withdrawal.
Detoxification under medical supervision is a treatment that generally lasts five to ten days and offers 24-hour medical monitoring and management of withdrawal. In addition to pharmaceutical management, they also provide emotional support round the clock to keep clients safe.
Talk to Someone on the Regular
Having a conversation is a therapeutic activity in and of itself. It may be beneficial to externalize feelings and challenges to prevent burying them further; thus, making it worse. Contact your loved ones, whether they’re family, friends, or coworkers.
To acquire appropriate coping skills and reduce emotional suffering, go to therapy or counseling sessions. For instance, you can change your destructive behaviors through rehabilitation treatments for heroin and other substances. These can educate people to transform negative perceptions into healthy emotions.
Follow a Regular Sleeping Pattern
Getting enough sleep is essential for mental and physical restoration. When a person has sufficient rest, they have more mental clarity and better manage their moods and appetites. Establishing a regular sleep pattern involves going to sleep and getting up at the same time every day.
Do your best not to have too much stimulation before going to bed (don’t spend too much time with your gadgets or exercise) and unwind at night using peaceful and relaxing ways to relieve stress. Withdrawal frequently causes sleep disturbances, so establishing excellent sleep habits can be beneficial.
Drink Plenty of Water
During withdrawal, it’s typical to get dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water is critical for a healthy body. Several times, people confuse cravings with thirst or hunger. Keeping hydrated and well-nourished can help to reduce the occurrence of these problems.
Take Medications for Drug Withdrawal
Depending on what substances you use, your physician may prescribe different medicines to aid with withdrawal symptoms. Various forms of withdrawal are treated with a variety of drugs, including:
- Methadone
- Buprenex (buprenorphine)
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Catapres (clonidine)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
Other medicines can also treat Certain withdrawal symptoms. Examples are anti-anxiety medicines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and other pharmaceuticals for treating nausea and sleep difficulties.
Make an Effort to Stay in Shape
Regular exercise can help the brain produce endorphins, which in turn can help reestablish chemical equilibrium. In addition to lowering stress and tension, exercise improves sleep quality and boosts one’s sense of self-worth.
According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, exercise can help reduce relapse and habitual drug cravings and use, which is beneficial for those trying to recover from addiction. Engaging in aerobic activities, such as walking or running, can enhance overall health, which can help stabilize and improve mental health while going through withdrawal.
Integrate Holistic Detox Methods with Medical Detox
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and others have shown potential in managing withdrawal cravings and symptoms. Massage treatments and chiropractic care utilize touch to move muscles and reduce tension, which can assist with stress relief and physical discomfort. Inserting needles into specific areas of the body through acupuncture can help restore blood flow, circulation, and balance so patients can heal faster.
It’s common for people to use detox as a stepping stone to recovery; they can lay a solid foundation for long-term success by doing it correctly. A person should attend an addiction rehab facility after detox to continue building on their newfound good habits. After withdrawal, the actual recovery work begins in treatment, but it’s critical to have assistance while going through the process to make sure it goes smoothly.