Recovery from opioid addiction must start with detox. Unfortunately, opioid withdrawal is perhaps the most unpleasant of any drug. It is often described as a terrible flu that you know would stop if you just start using again. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, sweating, fever, runny nose, yawning, and bone and muscle aches. There’s no way to avoid these symptoms entirely. Even if you are going to take methadone or buprenorphine, you have to detox partially. However, there are some easy ways to make the experience slightly less uncomfortable.
Hot baths and showers
Hot showers and baths are a great way to relieve aches and help the muscles relax. A long, hot bath with epsom salts is best, but whatever you have available will help to some degree. Not only will a hot bath help your aching muscles, but it will also help you get warm, as some people experience chills during withdrawal. Many people also experience restless legs syndrome. A hot bath can help relieve this and possibly help you sleep better too. Finally, people detoxing from opioids often sweat profusely and they sometimes complain of a detox smell. Frequent hot baths or showers will help you feel cleaner.
Get plenty to drink
Although many symptoms are unpleasant, the biggest real danger of opioid withdrawal is dehydration. The vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating can cause dangerous dehydration. Even moderate dehydration can make you feel much worse than you need to. Keep plenty to drink nearby. Avoid soft drinks, which are loaded with salt and will only dehydrate you more. Stick to water with an occasional Gatorade or Pedialyte to replenish your electrolytes. Some people find that hot tea makes them feel better too. Just keep in mind that caffeinated tea may contribute to your insomnia and anxiety. Herbal tea might be a better choice. Chamomile tea might even help you relax and get some sleep.
Easy food
You probably won’t feel like making or eating anything too elaborate. Think about the foods you eat when you’re sick and use those as a guide. Soups are easy to prepare and easy on the stomach. Fruits are also good. Don’t worry too much about sticking to your diet during detox. A bowl of ice cream will be the least of your problems for a week or two.
Distractions
Anything you can do to get your mind off your withdrawal symptoms will reduce the pain and make the time go faster. Exactly what you distract yourself with depends on how bad you feel. You may not be able to do much more than lie on the couch with the TV on. If you can manage something a little more active like reading or playing video games, you will have to pay more attention to what you’re doing and less attention to your symptoms.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
