Withdrawal from opiates is rarely life-threatening though the process can be painful and uncomfortable. If an opiate user is thinking of kicking the drug abuse habit, he should know that he is taking an important first step toward recovery and becoming healthy once more. Specific tips can be followed to help ensure withdrawal success.
Being Healthy is Vital
In their book, "Death Due to Withdrawal from Narcotics," Drs. Frederick Glaser and John Ball explain that, while death from opiate withdrawal is rare, there have been some reported instances involving individuals in poor health. It is therefore important that the opiate user is healthy enough to go through the withdrawal process. Being in the best physical condition possible will help the user weather the many flu-like side effects of withdrawal. Eating a well-balanced diet, using vitamin supplements, getting adequate rest and drinking plenty of fluids can help ease the discomfort of withdrawal.
Creating a Plan
Making a step-by-step plan can help an opiate abuser mentally commit to quitting the use of opiates. For the short time that withdrawal lasts, it is important to follow a strict plan to improve the chances of success. This list should include buying necessary medications to counter the side effects caused by withdrawal and reserving time off from work and social obigations. The abuser should also distance herself from other drug users and secure a safe and supportive place to stay during the second and third day of withdrawal since they are generally the worst. The final steps in her plan should include allowing time for recovery and attending regular meetings and support groups with other recovering addicts.
Sleep
According to a study published in the "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine" in 2007, opiate addicts experience significantly less deep sleep than healthy, non-addicted individuals. Most addicts do not realize that, although they may sleep as many hours as a non-addicted person, the reduced amount of deep sleep does not provide the same level of restfulness. Some addicts also spend less time sleeping overall than their non-addicted counterparts with normal sleep patterns. Before, during and after withdrawal, it is important for opiate abusers to get plenty of sleep since it allows their bodies to rest, recover and better meet the demands of withdrawal.
Seek Help
One of the best ways an addict can improve his chances of kicking the habit is by seeking help from others. Many people have found that simply talking to others who have successfully gone through withdrawal provides much-needed support and is helpful in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. Anyone committed to helping a drug abuser should be a welcome resource to turn to for assistance and support, regardless of whether they share a history of drug abuse. Although some addicts are able to quit their opiate habit alone, many fail without further assistance. Professional help may seem expensive and even embarrassing to some, but it is one of the most effective ways of changing drug abuse behavior and overcoming addiction for good.
References
- Drugtext.org: Death Due to Withdrawal from Narcotics
- "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine"; The Effect of Opioids on Sleep Architecture.; Dimsdale, Norman, Dejardin; vol. 1, 33-36, 2007.
- Relapse Prevention: Relapse
