In 2018, a whopping 31.9 million Americans over the age of 12 were illegal drug users, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
That same year, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that 14.4 million adults had alcohol use disorder.
These statistics put it plainly — you’re not alone if you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol. But you don’t want to be a number, either.
Quitting isn’t as easy as leaving a substance behind, though. You should know how to help withdrawal before you go through it — here’s what you should know.
Exercise
So much of what your body goes through during drug withdrawal will be physical. But your mind will try and draw you back into drug and alcohol use, too. You can use exercise to fight back.
Regular workouts will flood your body with feel-good endorphins, thus restoring the chemical balance in your brain. Plus, exercise will help you fight the stress and tension that’s sure to come from withdrawal, too.
Drink Plenty of Water
As your body withdraws from drugs and alcohol, you’re likely to vomit, have diarrhea, and experience other short-term symptoms.
Replenish your body by hydrating yourself throughout your withdrawal process. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. You may need more if you’re experiencing dehydrating symptoms, as described above.
Try Holistic Remedies
Sometimes, you need a little help to relax during your withdrawal, especially without the crutches you might’ve used in the past.
Holistic treatments — such as massage and acupuncture — can help relieve tension, boost your mood, and stoke blood flow. Together with other methods on this list, these treatment options can help ease the process of withdrawing.
Talk to Someone
As we’ve already said, you’re not the only one withdrawing from drugs or alcohol. You can find a support group in your area through which you can meet other recovering addicts. Together, you can discuss your trials and tribulations — maybe you’ll learn even more tips to make this process easier.
If you can’t attend a group meeting, try and find a therapist in whom you can confide. Perhaps clarifying the reasons for your addiction can help you avoid returning to that place.
Or, keep in touch with friends and loved ones during your withdrawal and beyond. They can motivate you when you feel ready to give up.
Attend a Formal Program
There’s no shame in needing help through your withdrawal. A medically supervised detox program can keep you honest, and it can keep you safe, too.
Depending on the severity of your addiction, it could be fatal to try and detox on your own. At a medical facility, you’ll have round-the-clock care for the days of withdrawal. A medication-assisted treatment and care can ease the process, as can the assurance of a well-versed team guiding you through it.
How to Help Withdrawal — Start Now
It might be scary, but this process will be the best thing you do for yourself. These five tips are just a few ways of how to help withdrawal. So, plan for it and get started — you have the rest of your life to live happily and healthily.
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