There is an alarming rate of people that have reported to using prescription painkillers for nonmedical use over the past few years. Many people who abuse these opioid drugs become dependant and breaking the habit is much harder than it seems. Though opiate withdrawals can range from non-life threatening to critical threats, the process may lead to unwanted symptoms that are incredibly tough to manage. It can go as far as requiring professional medical attention with counseling and other prescribed medications. However, not all users are too far in the deep end are may just be looking for natural opioid withdrawal remedies to fight it.
Below we explore 5 natural methods that can help those struggling with opiate addiction overcome their dependency. Going through the withdrawal is a challenge, but with guidance the commitment got recovery is much easier.
1. A Nutrient-Dense Diet
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within two uses of opiates and can last a number of days. If the affected user can make it through having a sudden craving, the probability of forming an addiction is decreased significantly. Those in need of natural opioid withdrawal remedies can find a quick solution in a nutrient-dense diet.
The problem is that the symptoms can lead the users to experience dietary deficiencies of magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is necessary to boost the proportion of these minerals in the dietary plan by either eating foods containing high dosages of them. Magnesium is most beneficial and can be absorbed transdermally (through your skin). Calcium and potassium could be taken in supplement form but should be taken along side with vitamin D. Counteracting the nutritional deficiencies associated with opiate addiction will vastly improve the body’s ability to fight the negative symptoms. This increases the patient’s potential to beat addiction.
2. Adequate Hydration
Dehydration is also a major concern in opiate withdrawal. Many will experience frequent diarrhea as a backlash to the chronic constipation experienced while addicted to opiates. Diarrhea, along with increased sweating, can be severely dehydrating. As easy as it sounds for natural opioid withdrawal remedy, drinking water and increase electrolyte intake is crucial. Interestingly, electrolytes are the minerals most often depleted in an addict (calcium, potassium, magnesium). Getting these important minerals as well as enough water will help keep a person fully hydrated.
3. Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Other common – but certainly uncomfortable – symptoms of opiate withdrawal include muscle pain, cramping and troubled sleep. Much of these issues certainly are a product of high degrees of inflammation – an all natural result of opiate withdrawal. A solution is to take organic anti-inflammatories that treats body irritation and discomfort. Recommended methods include seafood essential oil, turmeric, green tea extract, astragalus root, and passionflower. Passionflower can be a robust anti-inflammatory, and a demonstrated treatment for the most severe symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
These organic anti-inflammatory methods are simple to find, and can assist individuals to get enough sleep that will repair the body.
4. GABA
GABA, which may be obtained through passionflower, is an essential inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This means it precludes nerve transmitting in the brain and thereby quiets nervous activity. These feelings of tranquility allows those affected by withdrawals to obtain much needed rest and relaxation.
5. Activated Charcoal
Through its natural anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, activated charcoal is a potent remedy for many with side effects of opiate withdrawal. Activated charcoal is essentially burnt plant material. Heated to high temperatures in an environment devoid of oxygen, the material develops pores that absorb different types of toxins.
Activated charcoal has historically been used to counteract poison. It helps suck up the poisonous chemicals in the bodies of those addicted to opiates. It is most effective as a treatment for opiate overdose in individuals by decontaminating the digestive system. It can also be used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms in patients working through opiate withdrawal such as uncomfortable diarrhea. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, activated charcoal will help ease withdrawal symptoms associated with inflammation and can improve overall hydration. It can be taken either in capsule-form, or be absorbed through the skin.