Millions of Americans each year are prescribed opioid medications to treat pain. Many of those patients can take the medicines as directed and then stop taking them under the direction of their physician. However, abuse of these medications has grown from a problem to a full-on epidemic. Even people who have never had trouble with drugs or alcohol have found themselves dealing with addiction and withdrawal. It can be difficult to recognize when you or a loved one has crossed the line from taking medicine to abusing it. Quitting opioids can be intimidating but accomplished with the support of an opioid withdrawal management program.
What To Expect During Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal is a difficult and stressful time for people struggling with addiction and their loved ones. One of the best ways to alleviate some of that stress is to learn what to expect during the process of withdrawal. Not every person will experience withdrawal in the same way or have the same symptoms. Sometimes, people also experience precipitated withdrawal. Some of the most common symptoms of opioid withdrawal are:
- Dilated pupils
- Feeling restless or being unable to settle down
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Aching muscles and joints
- Running nose or allergy-like symptoms
The intensity and duration of each of these symptoms will vary but broadly speaking individuals can expect these opioid withdrawal symptoms to significantly impact them.
What Can I Do To Minimize Symptoms of Withdrawal?
There is, unfortunately, no way to eliminate all symptoms of withdrawal other than to stop using opioids successfully. However, there are ways to reduce or relieve some of the symptoms. One of the best ways to start quitting opioids is to consult a licensed substance abuse counselor or a medical professional who has experience with opioids. Some people choose to seek help at an opioid withdrawal management program, which can help gradually reduce dependence on opioids.
Other tips to help ease the process of going through opioid withdrawal are:
- Make sure to drink enough water. Especially if sweating, nausea, and vomiting are issues, it is important to avoid dehydration.
- Get plenty of rest. Lack of proper sleep will magnify the sense of discomfort, and the body needs rest to contend with the changes that withdrawal causes.
- Remove all medicines and substances that might present temptation from the environment.
- Seek support and care from professionals as well as peers. This could mean finding a support group for people who struggle with addiction or seeking treatment from a licensed opioid withdrawal management program.
In our opioid addiction treatment program, individuals learn these and other more advanced methods to help them overcome the substance use disorder they are struggling with.
What is an Opioid Withdrawal Management Program, and How Do I Find One Near Me?
For people dependent on opioids but want to quit, opioid withdrawal management programs can be a good way to help them find success. Doctors and other care staff supervise patients while medications are administered that can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Patients are gradually transitioning away from the harmful opioids while receiving counseling and guidance that helps reframe and reset their experiences with opioid addiction.
If you or a loved one has been struggling with opioid addiction, now is the best time to seek help. At Liberty Health Services in Derry, New Hampshire, we are committed to helping our patients and their loved ones navigate their recovery journey. Our staff consists of highly trained medical and therapeutic professionals who have devoted their careers to helping people heal from substance use disorders. Reach out to our kind and compassionate staff today at 855.959.4521 and let us tell you how we can help you rediscover your joy in life.
