Medical | Non-Medical Remedies for Opioid Addiction
Joshna Roy, author of today’s guest post on remedies for opioid addiction, is the writer and social media strategist at Withdrawal-Ease.com, a blog that educates readers on detox and withdrawal options for Opioid addicts. She is a health and fitness expert and writes mostly on topics relating to health, psychology and paleontology.
Medical and Non-Medical Remedies for Opioid Addiction by Joshna Roy
Bad news America is in crisis. This time, it’s opioid addiction. U.S consumers are the biggest consumers of opioids in the world and thousands of people have already lost their lives. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, 43,982 people died due to drug overdose in 2013 whereas the number of people who died in car accidents was 32,719. What was thought to be a personal problem for some is now a major problem for the entire nation.
Today’s guest author, Joshna Roy, shares remedies for opioid addiction.
Another report from National Center for Health Statistics, CDC wonder revealed that the use of prescription painkillers has quadrupled since 1999, and so has the number of deaths due to drug overdose in the US.
From Las Vegas to Charlotte to Portland, all major cities in the US are hit by opioid crisis. However, one place that has been severely affected in recent times is New Hampshire. Take a look at the New Hampshire Opioid Crisis Infographic shared below to learn more about the situation.
The only option to control opioid overdose death is to find remedies to get people off the drug. Here are some ways to deal with opioid crisis that’s sweeping the entire nation.
How Does Opiate Withdrawal Work?
When used regularly, opioids tend to desensitize selective neurons in the brain and make them get used to the pleasure of opioid effects. In turn, that makes the user addicted to the drug over time.
Opiates, as strong as they are, have the ability to change the structure of nerve cells; the mechanism of which can be linked to the effects of higher-end brain supplements. However, with opiates the effects are far more intense. Once the user withdraws usage, he/she starts craving for more. That’s what we call withdrawal symptoms. No user escapes from the side effects which could be mild or strong.
Mild effects experienced by people who used opioid for a shorter duration (Phase 1) includes sleeplessness, excessive sweating, body pain, and repeated yawning.
Strong effects experienced by people who used opioid for longer duration (Phase 2) includes irregular heartbeat rate, anxiety, depression, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dilated pupils.
Finding some relief
When it comes to dealing with opioid withdrawal, seeking medical help is the best option. The first step is to consult a doctor and learn the safest ways to counter the problem. Detox facilities can provide some relief as well. The reason why they’re good is because they help ward off life-threatening symptoms and ensure safe, long-term recovery from opioid addiction for the user. For example, drugs like Chloral hydrate and Trazadone are known to be very effective against restlessness and in turn aiding good sleep. There are a handful of other drugs to help individuals cope with opioid withdrawal recovery. The best way to gain access to them is to consult a doctor.
Home Remedies for Opioid withdrawal recovery
Since opioids cause physical and mental problems, it takes a lot of effort to come out of addiction especially if you are on your own. However, practicing a few simple techniques might give some relief.
1. Once you’re determined to recover from opioid addiction, the first thing you need to do is reduce your dosage gradually. By doing so, your will notice that the intensity of effects will also reduce over time. That will make you less dependent on the drugs.
2. The next step is to convince your mind that you no longer need opioid. Nothing has more control over your thoughts and actions than your mind. Write affirmations and read them loudly. Make your mind believe that you can lead a better life without taking opioids. It could work in your favor.
3. Finally, make sure to stay in the company of your friends. Never be alone because loneliness breeds depression and anxiety.
While trying home remedies to recover from opioid usage, if you experience side effects like body pain, nausea and vomiting for over two weeks, then consult a doctor immediately.
New Hampshire Opioid Crisis Infographic
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Thank you for the needed information Joshna and Lisa. Opiods continue to be a huge problem and as you mention, the death toll is staggering. You infographic is helpful as well for having a more clear understanding of the problem. I appreciate the work that you are doing to give people resources so that they can withdraw from opioid addiction.
While I think that a treatment center is the best option for an opioid addict, if you are determined to remedy yourself at home these are some good types. I think it is important that addicts have a strong support system in place, like friends and family, so they have someone to turn to in times of loneliness and depression, like you said. Thanks for sharing.
And thank you, Rachel, for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts.
Lisa or Joshua,
Once detox is complete can you comment on the role exercise and healthy eating can play in maintaining sobriety? Any research that can back that up would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Here is the author’s email address so you can contact her with your question: joshna.withdrawlease@gmail.com.