How to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms
Regardless to if you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms you are faced with can be overwhelming. For many withdrawal symptoms can seem unbearable and quickly leads to relapse. Coping with the cravings associated with stopping the use of drugs or alcohol means that you must begin to make healthy choices and develop coping strategies that will help you one day at a time through recovery.
If you have tried to quit before you know that withdrawal is one of the most difficult parts. If you have relapsed early into your recovery you may not know that withdrawal does not last forever, your symptoms will be eased and you will get to the next point in your recovery. Getting past the next few weeks isn’t going to be easy, but with a strong support team and the right treatment you can successfully overcome your addiction and move forward in your life.
Common Symptoms of Withdrawal
When you stop drinking alcohol or taking drugs your body will find any way to make you think you need the drug again. It will take away your ability to think clearly and exercise good judgment. Common symptoms of withdrawal may include but are not limited to:
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Irritability
- Emotional instability, anxiety and depression
- Restlessness or insomnia
- Sweating, hot flashes
- Flu-like symptoms: weakness, body aches and headaches
- Lack of or increased appetite
- Physical discomfort
- Strong cravings or temptation to use
Coping Strategies
No every treatment or coping strategy will work for you, every person is an individual and should be treated as such when recovering from addiction. It is important to remember that just because one method isn’t working for you there is always a different one you can try to help you maintain your sobriety. The key to achieving your goal of life long sobriety is to commit yourself to sobriety. The following are some coping strategies that may work for you in recovery.
Keeping Busy with Physical Activities
Physical activities will help you to feel better and keep your mind off drugs and alcohol. Exercise and yoga have helped thousands of people like yourself to create new healthy habits and overcome their addictions. Yoga will help you to find balance and center yourself in a similar way to meditation, as well as helping to advert your attention when a craving strikes. Exercising will help you to find something you enjoy again, even if it is as simple as a walk around your neighborhood you will be taking your mind off using or drinking and keeping it on something positive.
Accept Help and Support From Friends and Family
Your friends and family will be the greatest support system you could get. They genuinely care about your well being and will be there to support you on your road to recovery. If you feel tempted to drink or use, turn to your friends and family to talk and work through the cravings, they will be there for you each step of the way.
Know What to Expect
By knowing what to expect when withdrawal symptoms begin you will be prepared and not feel as overwhelmed as you know it is normal and soon will pass. If you have tried to withdrawal on your own in the past, turn to a treatment center for detox services to help you make it through this period in your recovery.
Prescription Medication Therapy
There are many prescription medications available to help you through the painful and overwhelming effects of withdrawal. Turn to a doctor or treatment center, they will be able to help you through withdrawal and if needed you can begin prescription medication therapy. This will allow you to withdrawal from drugs and alcohol with minimal withdrawal symptoms, helping to keep you on the road to recovery.
