If you are considering withdrawing from an opioid addiction (also called) opiate) Drug – a prescription pain reliever like oxycodone, or an illegal narcotic like heroin – you probably know that you are going to have a difficult time. But you may not know how much drug withdrawal help is out there when you’re ready to reach your goal.
Here you will find important information that will get you on your way.
Note: When the word “drug” appears in this article, it means an opioid drug.
What Causes Drug Withdrawal Symptoms?
Long-term use of opioids changes the way the nerve cells in your brain work. They only need the drug to do their normal jobs and when they stop getting it, especially “cold turkey”, they don’t like it. They inform you by triggering the withdrawal symptoms.
How uncomfortable are the symptoms of drug withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal is generally not life threatening, but if you become addicted to drugs you can potentially develop very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. It is good to know them beforehand and prepare for them so that you are less tempted to give up your addiction and relapse.
Drug withdrawal: phase 1. During the first 24 hours, you can expect the following symptoms:
- anxiety
- aching
- Runny nose
- tears in the eyes
- Restlessness
- insomnia
- Excessive yawning
- Heavy sweating
Drug withdrawal: phase 2. If you continue with your withdrawal, here is what you are likely to experience:
- Fast heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Dilated pupils (and possibly blurred vision)
No question about it, you will feel uncomfortable during this time. But don’t give up!
Your symptoms should improve in about 72 hours – and you can look forward to feeling much better in about a week, close to your normal self.
Drug withdrawal: phase 3. If you “get involved” with your withdrawal experience, some long-term withdrawal symptoms, or rather withdrawal, may appear Problemsas they tend to express themselves through emotions and behaviors.
Main withdrawal methods
First, understand that successful drug withdrawal begins with support. You shouldn’t be alone in your fight, which can be dangerous in an emergency.
Detoxification systems (“Detox”). Here you can get all the support you need not only for your drug withdrawal, but also for your overall health. In a detox facility you are:
- Sure, with trained people to look after you
- According to a personalized treatment plan
- Monitored by healthcare professionals and treated for symptoms or complications if necessary
- Helped follow a healthy daily routine including staying hydrated and eating right
- Constant encouragement and help planning how to continue your recovery when you leave the facility
Take off at home. For some people, drug withdrawal in a detox facility is not the first choice, for example due to real or imaginary loss of social status, inconvenience, financial problems, or concerns about the level of comfort (or even other patients). .
If this sounds like you or someone close to you, a home hood may be an option as long as you’re not alone and close at hand 1) your doctor’s contact information (including an outside office phone number) and 2) the number of friends Family members and other health professionals who you may need to contact quickly. Of course, don’t forget 911 in an emergency.
Here are some tips on how to withdraw from drug addiction at home:
Get hold of the foods and drinks you like – especially drinks. It is very important that you do not become dehydrated during this time. If you do, you could end up in the hospital. Drink plenty of water, of course. You might also consider replacing drinks like Gatorade or even Pedialyte with electrolyte.
You can also use over-the-counter drugs and products to help you manage your symptoms. These include:
- Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea (which contributes to dehydration)
- Meclizine (Bonine or Antivert) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) for nausea
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to relieve muscle pain
Only take these products as directed and never more than the recommended dose. If they aren’t doing enough to relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor.
What should i know?
Do everything to feel safe and comfortable. Have lots of pleasant distractions, like movies, books, and video games; a fan if you sweat a lot; and additional beds for the same reason. If you are alone in your house or apartment, make sure someone close to you knows you are starting the withdrawal process and that he or she will check you out at least once a day.
