A man sits with his head in his hands. He is struggling with the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Treating and Managing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people’s addiction to opioids begins after receiving a prescription to treat chronic moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, once someone is dependent on opioids, it is not so simple to stop using them. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable enough to make abstinence feel impossible. The good news is there are ways to manage withdrawal symptoms and alleviate the discomfort to make it easier to quit. 

At My 5 Palms, we understand how awful it can feel to go through opioid withdrawal. Our opioid rehab in Florida offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to minimize symptoms and reduce cravings so you can stay focused on your recovery. To learn more about how MAT works for opioid withdrawal, reach out at 1.844.675.1022

Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms 

When you use an opioid, whether prescription or illicit, the drug interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, inducing feelings of euphoria and pain relief. This serves a vital purpose if you are experiencing pain due to an injury or surgery, but a medical provider must carefully monitor the dosage since opioids are addictive. 

If you abuse opioids over a long period, your brain becomes less efficient at producing positive feelings naturally and requires opioids to elevate your mood. At this point, if you stop taking the drug, you will encounter a range of withdrawal symptoms, which could include: 

  • Body aches 
  • Sweating 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Fever 
  • Chills 

People often describe opioid withdrawal as feeling like they have a severe case of the flu. The symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the severity of your addiction and include mental health symptoms like irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. 

Overcoming Opioid Addiction  

Addressing opioid abuse early can make it easier to quit since you may experience minimal to no withdrawal symptoms. However, if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms when trying to quit or even just cut back your dose, you will benefit from professional help. Treating and managing opioid withdrawal symptoms can involve: 

Medication 

Withdrawal symptoms are often the biggest deterrent to achieving long-term sobriety. Certain medications have been found to alleviate these symptoms and remove the roadblock to recovery. Depending on your situation, your provider may prescribe methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, or another medication designed to reduce cravings, minimize discomfort, and even address co-occurring mental health symptoms. 

Therapy 

Although medication plays a critical role in overcoming opioid addiction, there is more to treatment if you want to maintain a sober lifestyle for the long term. Often, there are other factors involved in opioid abuse than the act of using the drug itself. Stressors, mental health disorders, trauma, social pressure, and other challenges can contribute to abusing opioids. These issues must be managed, or they will continue to pop up and threaten to derail your recovery. Talking with a counselor and developing a relapse prevention program that focuses on your specific triggers can make your treatment much more effective.  

Support  

In addition to medication and counseling, you also need the support of others to maintain your sobriety. Despite your best efforts, there will be times when you feel tempted to use drugs or alcohol, especially when stressed or overwhelmed. This is where your support system comes in and can remind you why you set out on this path and how far you have come. Support can come from multiple sources, so build a strong support system by joining online or in-person support groups, attending group therapy sessions, and recruiting trusted loved ones with whom you feel comfortable talking. 

Start Opioid Rehab in Florida at My 5 Palms Today 

Start building your support system by calling My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 and enrolling in our opioid addiction treatment program. If you have already completed a treatment program, we also offer alumni and aftercare groups to provide you with long-term support for your recovery. Reach out today to learn more by filling out our online form.

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