Overcoming Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are a clear sign that you have become addicted to a substance. Your body becomes dependent on that substance for pleasure and so responds with pain and discomfort if you refuse to take that substance.

With certain substances like caffeine, withdrawal symptoms may be fairly mild - you may get a headache or feel overly tired. When it comes to harder substances like heroin, symptoms may be more severe including nausea, shaking and abdominal pain along with intense anxious and depressed thoughts.

The easiest way to stop withdrawal symptoms is, of course, to take the substance that your body is craving. However, if you’re trying to give up that substance, this is clearly not the route to go. Instead, here are a few great ways to overcome addiction withdrawal symptoms. 

Distance yourself from all temptations

You’re more likely to give into your addiction if there are temptations around you. Make sure that the substance is not available in your home, and avoid environments where you can easily access it (for example, if you’re trying to beat an alcohol addiction, avoid bars and stores that sell alcohol). You should also avoid people who are likely to be negative influences (if you’re trying to give up smoking, hanging out with chain-smoking friends may not be a good idea). 

Go for a workout

Exercise is a great way to occupy the mind and it releases endorphins that make you feel good. It could help to give your body that ‘high’ that it’s craving, but in a healthy way. You could go to the gym, go for a run or simply exercise at home. Give yourself an exercise goal to keep you focused.

Try other healthy endorphin-releasing activities

There are many other activities that can release endorphins and take the edge off of any withdrawal symptoms. This includes listening to music you love or taking a hot bath. You can even try healthy thrillseeker activities like eating chillies.

Drink lots of water

Many people experience dehydration when going through withdrawal as a result of sweating or vomiting. Keep drinking lots of water while battling withdrawal symptoms so that you don’t get dehydrated. This will help reduce other symptoms like headaches, fatigue and a dry mouth.

Know when to get professional medical help

When it comes to substances like opiates and alcohol, professional medical help can often be necessary for beating withdrawal symptoms. This could include going through a full medical detox and possibly getting therapy to help with any mental health side effects (or even root causes) of the addiction. You could try going to a rehab facility or trying an outpatient program. At the very least, it’s worth speaking to a professional if you’re struggling to fight withdrawal symptoms on your own. 

Seek support from friends and family

Your friends and family may also be able to help you get through withdrawal. Providing that they are not addicts themselves, they may be able to help offer encouragement and keep you away from the substance that you are addicted to. You should never try to fight addiction alone.