The withdrawal symptoms in an alcohol and drug detox can be quite unpleasant, especially if the abuser has been doing drugs or taking alcohol for a very long time. These can be so horrible so as they can prevent the person from quitting the substance abuse.
However, there are many ways that can help to cope up with these symptoms of withdrawal. Let us take a look at a few of them that are most effective.
Medications
Drug Detox means getting rid of the drugs that you are addicted to. But, it does not mean that you have to be free of all substances. Many non-addictive drugs and prescription medications are used to ease out the withdrawal symptoms. Some of these drugs include:
- Anti-nausea and antidiarrheal medications and drugs
- NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin for pain relief
- Natural sleep-promoting substances like melatonin supplements
- Anti-anxiety drugs like SSRIs
- Topical analgesics in the form of creams or balms
However, each of these drugs and medications should be taken only on the advice of your physician.
Nutrition
Healthy nutrition during the process of drug detox is also quite important. Indulging into junk food is quite tempting when detoxifying your body. But, your body is actually repairing itself during this period. And a healthy and well-balanced diet that includes healthy and reparative food to heal the body and brain is required. Plus, if the withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, then it will need extra nutrition to cope up with the loss.
Making a drug detox meal plan and then shopping and cooking will not only promote healthy eating habit but also keep you away from cravings. Healthy eating also boosts energy levels and help in endorphin production, thus keeping you healthy and overall happy.
Exercise
A drug addict will very likely neglect his/her physical health and may feel weak and lethargic. It is, therefore, necessary to include an exercising regimen during drug detox. It can help to ease both physical and psychological symptoms. You must start with mild or moderate exercising to improve your heart health, lung capacity, muscle tone, and various others.
Regular exercise can:
- Lower body fat and help losing weight
- Reduce the risk of getting heart ailments
- Reduces the risk of getting some types of cancer
- Make the bones and muscles strong
- Release endorphins and elevates mood as well as improves mental health
- Improves physical and mental stability
When addicted to a drug, you may gain weight and body fat in place of muscles. You are also at risk of getting cancers and tumors of different kinds. The chemistry of the brain changes, which may trigger anxiety and depression. Overall the quality of life reduces.
This is why exercise is often added as a part of the drug detox programs. It improves your physical and mental health while making you feel more energized. The impact of withdrawal symptoms through dopamine and serotonin are changed by the release of exercise-induced endorphins. The good feeling after exercising takes the place of the high from the drug. Different forms of exercise include walking, swimming, yoga, hiking, and other mild exercises.
Surf City Recovery offers drug detox programs in Orange County that include guidelines on nutrition, exercise, and medications to help cope with withdrawal symptoms of drug detox.
