To encourage the belief that you can succeed, try to remind yourself about other personal struggles you have overcome.
Write notes to yourself reminding yourself that the pain is temporary. Put one on your refrigerator and one on your mirror, or any other places in your house you frequent. Also try reminding yourself that people endure the pain of opiate withdrawal all the time. Knowing that others before you have been successful can give you hope – you can do it, too.
Agitation Anxiety Muscle aches Increased tearing Insomnia Runny nose Sweating Yawning
Abdominal cramping Diarrhea Dilated pupils Goose bumps Nausea Vomiting
Benadryl, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness, can be effective for some. If nothing else works, try a warm bath and a cup of a hot, non-caffeinated beverage before trying to sleep.
The inability to think clearly Trouble concentrating Impaired reasoning Repetitive and constrained thinking Memory loss; short term, long term or both Emotional volatility or emotional numbness Sleep disturbances Motor issues such as problems balance or slow reflexes
Attend NA groups and anything else offered for at least a year before/after withdrawal. This may help to lessen the chance of a relapse. Look for local resources by doing an internet search with the keywords “opiate withdrawal + help + the name of your city or zipcode”.
Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help to relieve pain. Imodium and other antidiarrheals can sometimes help to reduce gastrointestinal problems. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Take a hot bath. Add some epsom salts for an added boost of pain relief. It is not uncommon for detoxes and rehabs to have epsom salts on hand for this very reason. Saunas can also be good, but you must be very careful not to stay in too long. When in withdrawal, your body is already weakened and you may be dehydrated; falling asleep in a hot tub or sauna can be disastrous when in this state.
If you do not have any loved ones nearby or would prefer to keep your addiction secret, get the support of a good counselor to help you endure the pain.
Try listening to some music that pumps you up and helps you to continue your workout. Be sure, though, to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard!
Try to get lost in the activity you are enjoying. If possible, put your clocks away, as keeping track of time may keep you from being fully immersed in the moment.
Here are some examples of healthy foods: lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. [12] X Research source
Clonidine[13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source : Clonidine alters how the sympathetic nervous system functions (the part of the nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response). [14] X Research source It can help to lessen several symptoms of opiate withdrawal, making enduring withdrawal easier. Buprenorphine[15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source : This drug will help to stop withdrawal symptoms. However, it can be dangerous and it is important to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions if prescribed. Methadone[16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source : Consider getting treated with methadone, a less addictive alternative whose habit is easier to kick. Methadone can be effective, studies show, although depending on where you live there may be restrictions for who can get on it. Be sure to ask your doctor whether you qualify, should you choose to pursue this option. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
