When you suffer from chronic pain, popping a painkiller seems like your best option. But if you think twice, you could actually be bartering short-term pain relief for long-term addiction. Most commonly prescribed painkiller drugs contain opioids, a class of pain relievers that is effective but highly addictive. Although they give you instant respite, there is a risk of misusing them and getting addicted eventually.

If you make conscious efforts to steer clear of them, you are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms that are often uncomfortable and hard to handle. Still, it is worth trying because de-addiction is the only way to get your health on track. Fortunately, you can follow some measures for breaking the dependence and dealing with the challenges of opioid withdrawal. Here are some strategies that can help.

Know what to expect

The first step in dealing with a problem is to have clear expectations so that you are prepared to get through. Extended use of opiates affects the nerve cells in the brain, and they will end up being dependent on the drug to work properly. Quitting abruptly leads to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, restlessness, sleeplessness, excessive sweating, and fatigue. These may aggravate over time, and you may also experience abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and rapid heartbeat.

Try home remedies

Getting opioids out of your system is challenging, but it is best to try with full conviction and commitment. You can start by tailoring a withdrawal plan at home rather than getting professional help. Tapering off the drug slowly instead of quitting at once is a better approach as the symptoms will be less severe. Since you can expect to suffer from dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting, drinking plenty of hydrating fluids will help. Consider over-the-counter medications for minor issues like diarrhea and vomiting. But stick to the recommended dosage only.

Look for alternative therapies

Some studies show that complementary therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help patients struggling with the severe symptoms of opioid withdrawal.  Speak to an expert to learn more about these options and see if they can work for you. The efficacy often depends on the level and length of addiction in patients. Still, alternative therapies are worth trying because they often help and seldom hurt.

Seek legal support

Surprisingly, dealing with opioid withdrawal is not only about getting medical aid, as you will need to get hold of your finances as well. People suffering from addiction often end up messing their money with hefty medical expenses and lost wages. If you have suffered due to an opioid painkiller addiction caused by false manufactures’ claims or faulty prescriptions by a practitioner, you deserve to be compensated. A specialist lawyer can help you prove your case and claim a settlement from the negligent party.

Get proper medical treatment

If nothing seems to work, you cannot deal with withdrawal alone. The best you can do is to seek medical help early. Specialists can help by prescribing medications that ease the symptoms. You can enroll in a detox facility and avail a personalized treatment plan if there are complications that you aren’t able to handle. A facility will also ensure that recovery lasts.

De-addiction requires a great deal of effort for the patient and their family because withdrawal symptoms are hard to handle. But the effort is worthwhile because it can change your life for the better.

Have you or a loved one suffered from opioid withdrawal?

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