Regular drug use alters the brain’s chemistry. When drug dependence forms, attempting to stop or cut down forces the brain to regulate itself. This then causes both physical and psychological drug withdrawal symptoms, with the most common being vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anxiety, cravings, and insomnia.
While the intensity and duration of symptoms will vary across individuals, drug withdrawal is uncomfortable at best, and fatal at worst. But, focusing on healing your body and mind through healthy practices and addiction rehab support can help relieve some of your pain and suffering.
Here are some of the ways to manage your drug withdrawal symptoms during the rehab process.
1. Attend a Medical Detox Program
As this guide on what happens to your body during drug withdrawal explains, trying to manage drug withdrawal symptoms alone can be dangerous or even fatal. Attending a medical detox program can help get you through the first week or two of drug rehabilitation, when symptoms are usually at their worst. With 24-hour supervision and medical management, addiction rehab support makes withdrawal easier and far less risky.
2. Eat Nutritious Food
Drugs can deplete your body of the nutrients it needs to function efficiently. A diet of nourishing foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help during rehab.
Certain foods can also help you manage withdrawal symptoms. Soybeans, bananas, and sunflower seeds are high in tyrosine, an amino acid that can help boost dopamine levels as a way to help with withdrawal symptoms such as depression and apathy. And kefir, shrimp, and tempeh can boost levels of the calming neurotransmitter GABA. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety.
3. Get Regular Exercise
Exercise can help restore the chemical balance in your brain by encouraging the release of endorphins. Exercise is also a great stress-buster and promotes better quality sleep, helping you overcome the common drug withdrawal symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. And, with a healthy outlet for the nervous energy and restlessness that are typical in withdrawal, you’re less likely to give in to cravings.
4. Stay Hydrated
Prolonged periods of vomiting or diarrhea during addiction rehab can leave you severely dehydrated. It’s important to drink plenty of water to overcome these common drug withdrawal symptoms and help your body and mind heal.
5. Follow a Sleep Routine
Getting enough rest is crucial to support healing and emotional health during drug rehab. After a good night’s sleep, it’s much easier to think clearly and resist cravings.
While disrupted sleep and insomnia are common drug withdrawal symptoms, following a sleep routine can help. Stick to a regular bedtime and make sure to wind down before by dimming the lights and avoiding screens. Instead, engage in relaxing activities such as taking a warm bath, reading, or stretching before bedtime.
Manage the Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal
Whatever drug addiction you’ve struggled with, following these recommendations can help you manage the symptoms of drug withdrawal.
Above all, it’s vital to start your drug rehab journey with the medical support and supervision necessary to succeed. Beyond that, trusting in the restorative powers of sleep, hydration, food, and exercise will help heal your body and mind.
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Hey guys it’s Andrew! I am a writer, a blogger, and a curious human being full of ideas. I remember as a teenager going to my local store to grab a freshly published magazine about the ins and outs of the online business world.
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