Opioids are among some of the most challenging drugs to overcome. Worse, coping with opioid withdrawal symptoms can be even more challenging. One of the reasons for this is that people are often on opioids for several years, increasing their dosage to maintain the potency of the drug. The good news is that coping with opioid withdrawal is possible now more than ever at a professional drug detox center.
At The Right Step Hill Country, we know how important it is to break the cycle of addiction with the support of medical professionals and recovery specialists. Our therapy programs help you get clean while learning the skills to help you on the recovery journey for the rest of your life. Call 1.844.675.1628 today to take the right step and develop your plan to get sober with a recovery specialist.
Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Addiction
Taking the first step toward recovery starts with detoxification, or detox. During this stage, a person’s body and mind will have difficulty readjusting to life without opioids. Severe withdrawal symptoms can arise during detox, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Sweating
- Tremors
While challenging, detox is a crucial first step in overcoming opioid addiction. Managing withdrawal symptoms is difficult, and these symptoms are often the leading cause of relapse.
How Do You Cope with Opioid Withdrawal?
There are several ways you can cope with opioid withdrawal during detox. Let’s explore a few of them.
Get Professional Help
Trying to quit opioids on your own can be dangerous as detox can be life-threatening. You may suffer from respiratory, heart, or mental problems that you cannot control.
Also, you are far less likely to stick with it for several days on your own. Most opioid users do not have that level of willpower. Your best option is to get professional help at a medical detox center so a medical team can monitor your symptoms and help you make progress.
Prepare Yourself for the Symptoms
When you first enter a detox center, a treatment specialist will go over all the details of what you can expect. The most important thing to prepare for is the withdrawal symptoms you may experience, such as:
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Drastic changes in sleep or appetite
- Intense cravings
- Trembling or sweating
The more aware you are of what symptoms you may experience, the more prepared you are to handle them when they occur.
Consider Using Medication
A wide range of medications available can reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings at different stages of your withdrawal. For instance, Naltrexone can block the effects of alcohol. Acamprosate can relieve the emotional stress you may feel during medical detox programs. Antabuse will make you sick if you take it and then drink alcohol. Consider using medications as short-term relief when coping with opioid addiction withdrawal.
Medication-assisted treatment should only be a part of your recovery plan if a medical team is nearby. Without supervision, these prescriptions can have severe side effects and can even be addictive themselves.
Engage in Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy doesn’t make your symptoms go away. However, it can give you the mental and physical endurance you need to make it through detox. Holistic therapy includes:
- Yoga therapy
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Recreation or outdoor activities
The type of holistic therapy you can participate in depends on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. You may not be able to engage in some types of treatment if you are going through hard withdrawal. Your treatment specialist can help you decide what kinds of holistic therapy suit you.
Detox from Opioids at The Right Step Hill Country
Are you ready to get started on the lifelong journey to recovery? The Right Step Hill Country can help. We offer comprehensive alcohol and drug addiction treatment at our center in Texas. To find out more about coping with opioid withdrawal, call us at 1.844.675.1628.