Once your family member, friend, or loved one has agreed to get help for their addictions and agrees to face it head-on, one of the first things that they will need to get through is the detox and withdrawals.
Here are some ways that you can help them through this very difficult process.
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Don’t Go Through It Alone
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Understand The Withdrawals You’re Signing Up For
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Create Healthy Distractions
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Make Sure They Are Comfortable
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Me Mindful Of Ways to Manage Withdrawal
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Attend a medical detox program.
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Exercise regularly & stay hydrated.
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Eat balanced and nutritious meals.
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Stick to a structured sleep schedule.
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Complement traditional detox strategies with holistic methods.
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Stretch often, and consider yoga and/or mindfulness meditation.
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Communicate with a family member, loved one, therapist, or counselor.
What To Expect During Withdrawal
Symptoms can range from distressing to life-threatening, and the severity of symptoms depends on a variety of factors including:
- Type of drug(s) used
- Frequency, intensity, and duration of drug use
- History of withdrawal processes in the past
- Co-occurring mental illness
- Demographic details (age, sex, additional physical conditions)
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
- Psychotic symptoms (confusion, hallucinations, delusions)
- Shaky hands
- Seizures
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- Heightened pain sensations
- Irritability
- Flu-like symptoms (runny nose, sweating, flushed skin)
- Gastrointestinal distress, Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anhedonia (loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities)
- Intensified feelings of paranoia and anxiety
- Dehydration
- Fatigue and oversleeping
- Increased appetite
- Memory problems
- Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions)
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
- Increased anxiety or panic attacks
- Excessive sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle stiffness and pain
- Psychotic symptoms
- Seizures
Keep hotline numbers on hand.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – The Lifeline will connect you with a trained crisis worker.
- Crisis Text Line: 741741 – Connect with a trained crisis-support volunteer via text.
The fact is, withdrawal is unpleasant. But it’s also temporary. Your support can make it more possible for your friend or loved one to make it through to the other side!
