I need to detox off of opiates or pain medication. I need help for severe withdrawal symptoms?


Opiates are medications that are derived from or similar to the function of opium. These drugs tend to have the same effect on the senses that opium has and, of course, they can as addictive as opium too. Opiates also tend to include substances like heroin and other narcotic pain killers which have a similar effect on the body.

Withdrawal from these medications is very difficult. The symptoms for withdrawal include agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, sweating along with increased emotional response. These are generally considered early withdrawal symptoms. As withdrawal progresses, the person is likely to get late withdrawal symptoms which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and dilated pupils. When the person going through the withdrawal reaches the late withdrawal stage, that’s when he needs the help of his friends and family along with as many home remedies. The symptoms for withdrawal tend to very dire and can often even discourage friends and family to support the detoxification process.

Here are some ways to reduce your dependency on drugs and keep the withdrawal symptoms in check.

  • Instead of quitting your medication or drug cold turkey, try and wean yourself slowly. If you are addicted to pain killers, try reducing their do/sage in the day or the number of times in a day you take them.
  • Be practical about your abilities and take some time off your daily activities – whether school or job or any chore. Accept that you will have to sit at home and cope with the difficulties of giving up drugs or opiates.
  • Purchase some simple medication for symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, antacids and even drinks that will supplement electrolytes. If you can stomach it and if your doctor is okay with it, you can even try some sleep medication.
  • For the first three days you will face many physical symptoms. Taking pills can distract you from the withdrawal effect in the first days. From roughly day 4-5, it will become very difficult to distract yourself. Try, as much, to get out of the house. Go for a walk. It might seem like a huge chore to even take a shower but it will help you get and feel better.
  • You will develop an appetite like never before but try as much as possible to eat healthy and drink lots of water. If vomiting is a symptom then sip little water after a few minutes, to ensure that all that purging does not dehydrate you.
Reference:

  1. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Treating_opiate_addiction_Detoxification_and_maintenance.htm
  2. http://nceta.flinders.edu.au/files/3012/5548/2429/EN199.pdf

answered by A S

The hardest, but usually the best way to withdraw yourself from these medicines, is relaxation and meditation.

However,there are some herbal remedies available, that may be of assistance to you.

Try an infusuion (tea)of camomile (which will aid sleep), valerian or hawthorn (these are available at your health food shop).Drink twice daily. The most useful essential oil, for relaxation is Lavender.

Hope this helps :-)

Blessings

answered by j


Warning: home-remedies-for-you.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. see additional information
Read more questions in Medicines and Remedies