Home Remedies for Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Anyone who’s used opiates for extended periods of time already has an idea of how uncomfortable opiate withdrawal can be. More oftentimes than not, the fear of going through withdrawal keeps addicts using. This only works to worsen withdrawal severity over time.
While detox programs offer treatments to relieve withdrawal distress, not everyone can take advantage of this option for whatever reasons. When this is the case, home remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms may help in terms of getting a person over the rough spots.
In cases of severe opiate addiction, home remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms may not be enough to quell the degree of drug cravings and withdrawal that ensues. Ultimately, the effectiveness of home remedies for opiate withdrawal depends on each person’s individual circumstances.
Countering Opiate Withdrawal
According to the U. S. Natural Library of Medicine, opiate withdrawal results from how these drugs alter brain functions over time. In effect, home remedies for opiate withdrawal offer different methods for helping a person overcome the effects of these changes.
While no one remedy will relieve all symptoms, using two or more at the same time can go a long way towards reducing the overall discomfort opiate detox brings.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
In general, many opiate withdrawal symptoms resemble those experienced with the flu, such as:
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
In this respect, over-the-counter home remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms can be of great help. Over-the counter remedies to consider include:
- Tylenol – for headaches and aches and pains
- Dramamine – for nausea and vomiting
- Imodium – for diarrhea
Herbal Supplements
Opiate withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Feelings of depression and anxiety coupled with muscle tension and aches and pains can make for a miserable experience overall.
A few chosen herbal supplements can help relieve both types of symptoms. Herbal supplement home remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
St. John’s Wort is a natural remedy for opiate withdrawal symptoms.
- St. John’s Wort – improves mood, relieves anxiety
- 5-HTP – mood enhancement
- Phenibut – relieves anxiety and tension
- Kratom – for drug cravings
Weight Training
Chronic opiate abuse depletes essential endorphin chemical supplies in the brain. These changes account for much of the emotional distress a person experiences.
Activities that cause the brain to produce endorphin chemicals offer a definite boost in mood and energy levels overall. As a home remedy for opiate withdrawal symptoms, weight training or weight bearing activities in particular can help restore normal brain endorphin levels.
Healthy Eating & Rest
Opiate abuse not only disrupts the body’s normal sleep cycles, but also impairs its ability to extract nutrients from food. Implementing healthy eating practices helps provide much needed nutrients, minerals and vitamins for the body to rebuild.
In terms of getting proper rest, withdrawal symptoms only intensify when the body doesn’t get needed rest. Getting plenty of rest, especially during the first few days of detox can help take the edge off of the withdrawal period.
Considerations
For people coming off long-term drug habits, home remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms may not be enough to prevent an untimely relapse. Under these conditions, it’s best to consider detox treatment programs or at the very least, medication treatment therapies, such as methadone or buprenorphine on an outpatient basis.
