Every recovering addict experiences an unpleasant stage of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may be influenced by multiple factors, such as the substance, the frequency and duration of use, and the person’s health. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, tremors, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Withdrawal symptoms can make quitting the addiction quite challenging, underscoring the relevance of seeking professional help to achieve a permanent and successful recovery. There are reputed institutions across the country that have helped numerous recovering addicts. You can join any reputed drug recovery program, such as the drug rehab program at Anchor Addiction, to get help. These centres will offer sincere guidance to addicts and help them deal with issues related to withdrawal.
Recognise the symptoms
Unless the person dealing with withdrawal recognizes such symptoms and decides that help is required, it is going to be very difficult to start the recovery procedures. Common symptoms include:
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Low self-worth
- Frequent bouts of tears for no reason
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Fatigue
- Severe mood swings
Top tips to help deal with withdrawal symptoms
It’s quite important to know how to deal with withdrawal symptoms. Let’s take a quick look at some effective tips that have helped thousands of recovering addicts overcome their symptoms:
- Seek professional advice. Once you recognise the withdrawal symptoms, the most significant step required is to seek help from a medical expert. Medical professionals can monitor your condition and prescribe medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms, making the process more manageable.
- Stay hydrated. Drugs and alcohol can cause dehydration, which can worsen withdrawal symptoms. Drinking enough water and other fluids can help prevent dehydration and alleviate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Get enough rest. Withdrawal symptoms can cause insomnia and make it difficult to sleep, leading to more severe symptoms. Getting enough rest is essential to the recovery process, and it can also help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep routine and avoiding caffeine and nicotine can help improve sleep quality.
- Practise mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, two common symptoms of drug withdrawal. They can also help improve mental clarity and promote feelings of well-being. Being mindful and practising regular meditation can be an effective way to cope with the emotional and mental after-effects of withdrawal.
- Engage in physical activities. Engaging in physical activities like exercise and yoga can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce pain. Exercise can also help improve sleep quality and promote overall physical and mental health.
- Seek support. Having a support system is crucial during the recovery process. Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your journey can provide motivation and help you stay on track. Support can come from family, support groups, and even close friends.
- Keep a positive mindset. Recovering from addiction can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset can make the journey easier. Celebrate small victories, focus on progress rather than setbacks, and keep a positive outlook on the future. Recovery is a hard journey, but keep in mind that setbacks are just a natural part of the process.
How you can help someone with withdrawal symptoms
On a personal basis, you can always:
- Offer emotional support,
- Listen carefully,
- Encourage seeking professional help.
- Be patient,
- Be understanding,
- Be non-judgmental
Endnote
Managing addiction withdrawal symptoms is required for a safe and permanent recovery. Seeking professional assistance, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, practising mindfulness and meditation, engaging in physical activities, seeking support, and keeping a positive mindset are all effective ways to manage withdrawal symptoms and overcome addiction. Be assured that recovery is possible with the right support and mindset.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
