7 Tips For Going Through Withdrawal

Note: If you’re withdrawing from alcohol, drop what you’re doing and go straight to the ER.  Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous and can lead to seizures and even death.  Medical facilities have alcohol withdrawal protocols in place to help you safely undergo detox.

Withdrawal affects people differently; some people will suffer from very few withdrawal symptoms, while others will feel like they’re going to die, just hours after their last dose.

Getting through withdrawals is just one small step on your road to recovery, but the first step is often the hardest.  Here are some tips to help you cope with the effects of withdrawal.

How To Get Through Withdrawal

1. Drink lots of water

This one is probably the most important.  Staying well hydrated is the best thing for anyone going through withdrawal.

2. Take some Immodium for the diarrhea

You’ll probably find that the food you manage to get down will pass through you pretty quickly; the Immodium will keep the food where you need it.  If you don’t have any at home, head over to the pharmacy and buy a pack of Immodium AD (Loperamide Hydrochloride).

3. Over the counter sleep aids

Depending on the substance you’re withdrawing from, you’ll likely find yourself wide awake and unable to get any sleep.  If you’ve taken any over the counter sleep aids in the past, this might help you get a good nights rest.

4. Over the counter pain relievers

If you’re feeling bone pain or headaches, then take some Tylenol or Advil.  These might not do much for people who’ve been hooked on Morphine, Vicodin, or Percocet, but they’ll have to do.

5. Find a distraction

You’re going to need something to distract you from the pain and discomfort.  Probably the most popular method is to simply lay on the couch all day and watch TV, but this isn’t necessarily the healthiest thing to do.  If you’re able to actually get up and move around, try going for a walk.  The fresh air will make you feel better, and expending energy could help you get some sleep once you get home.

6. Stay comfortable and get plenty of rest

If you experience a cold flash, get yourself a nice warm blanket and cover up.  If you experience a hot flash, turn on a fan and put a cold, damp towel on your forehead.  Your body is struggling to rid itself of the toxins it has depended on for so long, and it’s telling you what it needs, so listen to it carefully.

7. Seek medical supervision

If you can afford it, arrange for detox in a medical facility.  This is the safest path you can take, and if you’re detoxing from alcohol – it’s absolutely essential.  But safety isn’t the only benefit of going to a treatment center to detox; the medical staff will also have access to non-narcotic medications that can help ease some of your symptoms.

After Detox

Getting through detox doesn’t take long, but it’s an essential part of starting a new life without drugs and/or alcohol.  Once you detox, the next step is to learn how you can live a happy, fulfilling life without addictive substances.

Final note: This is just one final reminder that you should check into a medical facility if you’re a chronic alcoholic undergoing alcohol withdrawal.  Alcohol withdrawal can kill you, and I would strongly urge anyone trying to detox from alcohol to seek medical assistance.