Withdrawals are uncomfortable, and they can be the most challenging part of recovering from addiction. Whether you are experiencing mild or severe withdrawals, it’s essential to know how to deal with them. Below are some ways to make the experience less difficult.
Mild Withdrawals
If your addiction is not severe, you may experience mild withdrawals. Here are some ways to deal with them:
1. Exercise Regularly
Exercising can help you fight cravings, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep. It also releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) that can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
When you experience withdrawals, drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and chemicals from your body. This can help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
3. Try Mindful Meditation
Mindful meditation can help you manage your symptoms by teaching you how to focus your mind and body on the present moment. It can help you relax and reduce anxiety during the process.
4. Eat Healthily
Eating a healthy diet can help your body heal and reduce the severity of your withdrawals. If you are struggling with cravings, try to eat healthy snack options, such as nuts, fruits, or whole grains.
5. Seek Support
Having a supportive environment can make a world of difference in how you deal with withdrawals. Consider joining a support group, seeing a therapist, or talking to friends and family members for support.
Severe Withdrawals
If your addiction is severe, you may experience more severe withdrawals. Here are some ways to deal with them:
1. Get Professional Help
While it’s possible to deal with minor withdrawals on your own, severe withdrawals can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as seizures or delirium tremens if not treated accordingly. So, it’s essential to get professional medical help if you experience severe symptoms.
2. Take Medications
Medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. The type of medication prescribed depends on your addiction and the severity of your withdrawals. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medications you can take to help alleviate the symptoms.
3. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential, and it’s even more critical when you’re experiencing severe withdrawals. Drinking water or fluids such as coconut water or sports drinks helps restore the body’s balance, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
4. Rest Often
Severe withdrawals can be exhausting. So, it’s crucial to rest often and get plenty of sleep, as this can help your body recover faster.
5. Seek Professional Support
Professional support can be beneficial in helping you through the recovery process. Consider joining support groups or seeing a therapist to help you work through any underlying issues that may drive addictive behavior.
Final Thoughts
While withdrawals can be uncomfortable, there are ways to deal with them. Mild withdrawals can be handled with lifestyle changes, such as exercising or eating healthily. Severe withdrawals, on the other hand, require professional intervention.
Most Common Questions about Withdrawals
- How long does withdrawal last?
Withdrawal symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks. - Can I handle withdrawals on my own?
It depends on the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. You can handle mild withdrawal symptoms on your own. But severe symptoms require professional intervention. - What are the most common withdrawal symptoms?
The most common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and seizures. - Are withdrawals dangerous?
Withdrawals can be dangerous if not treated correctly. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, seek professional help immediately. - Is medication the only treatment for withdrawal symptoms?
Medications can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but they are not the only treatment option. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, can also help reduce the severity of symptoms.
References
- Merck Manual Consumer Version. (2019). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders – Learn about the Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment from the MSD Manuals – Medical Consumer Version. Retrieved June 2, 2021, from https://www.msdmanuals.com/en/home/mental-health-disorders/substance-related-and-addictive-disorders/substance-related-and-addictive-disorders.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Substance Use in Women. Retrieved June 2, 2021, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-drug-use.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Coping with a Mental Health Crisis or Emergency. Retrieved June 2, 2021, from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-with-mental-health.