One thing even those without substance abuse problems know is that withdrawal is an unpleasant experience. And for those who have experienced it, withdrawal can be a feared, dreaded situation. Many who might try to kick addictions fail to do so because they struggle with withdrawal. But withdrawal can be managed, with help and careful planning.
By working on the right approach for coping with withdrawal symptoms, addicts can find success with these tips for a smooth transition.
Withdrawal can be such a nasty experience because it affects the addict not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. The chemical dependence of substance abuse hits the addict on a bodily level, but the addict is often mentally dependent on the feeling of substance abuse, and trying to kick the habit can be a devastating time on that front, too.
Yet the chemical side of withdrawal will pass, if the addict can outlast it. After that, the addict must practice good practices to remain stable and healthy and avoid its worst effects.
To help avoid the symptoms of withdrawal, the addict needs coping mechanisms. These can include:
- Diet. Eating well makes the addict feel better. A healthy, nutritious, well-balanced meal leaves the addict better prepared to handle negative symptoms and side-effects of withdrawal. Too much fatty foods, or not eating enough, can leave you without the energy you need to fight withdrawal successfully.
- Exercise. On the same note, healthy exertion keeps the body in good shape and better prepared for withdrawal issues. Regular exercise is good not only for the body, for the mind as well. Lazing around can leave you lethargic and unable to resist the worst effects of withdrawal.
- Drink plenty of water. Nearly all these tips are based on basic healthy guidance, and good hydration is a high priority on that front. Drinking multiple glasses of water a day is good for you on many fronts, and fighting withdrawal is just one of them.
- Get enough sleep. It can be hard to sleep at the worst of withdrawal, but a good night’s rest leaves you stronger and better prepared, physically and mentally, for the struggle. Paradoxically, you also don’t want to sleep too much. You might be tempted to oversleep in order to be unconscious for the worst of the symptoms, but too much sleep can leave you lethargic and slow to respond to stimuli.
- Medication. Talk to your doctor or therapist and ask if there are over the counter medications that might help. There might be prescription drugs they can offer, too, but that must be done under their advice.
At Good Landing Recovery, patients will receive help for their withdrawal, but also tips like these to help manage it on their own, as well. With their assistance, patients can overcome the worst symptoms of withdrawal and find success in rehab to push forward to a greater recovery.
