While it’s always best to manage pain pill detox and the symptoms stemming from it with professional help, some people choose to rely on home remedies for opiate withdrawal instead. While every person has a timeline of when the opiate withdrawal symptoms will subside, they usually get better within 72 hours. Likewise, many people notice a significant improvement in symptoms connected to opiate withdrawal after the first week. Once you stop using opiates or decrease the amount of the drug you are taking, you’ll start experiencing some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
In order to sleep better, make your bedroom dark and cold, watch less television or computer before bedtime, and do not consume caffeine after noon. Herbal teas, such as valerian root or chamomile may provide a soothing effect. Breathing exercises, light stretching, or meditation before bed may also promote rest. Soaking in a tub with Epsom salts not only soothes sore muscles but may also ease anxiety. Heating pads or hot water bottles can help with back pain and cramps. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and sweating can quickly lead to dehydration, a common and dangerous complication.
However, there’s typically a timeline for the progression of symptoms. Opioids attach themselves to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. Whenever opioids attach to these receptors, they exert their effects.
The biggest dangers of opiate withdrawal include:
We take the time to understand your unique situation, preferences, and needs. Before combining any herbs with your medication, have a conversation with your healthcare provider. At Summer House Detox Center, our medical team carefully evaluates these potential interactions—we want to improve your comfort without compromising your treatment. Even more concerning, almost all handmade and illegally distributed herbal medicines for withdrawal treatment contained at least one opioid or illegal drug.
Consider wearing thin layers of clothing that can easily be added or taken away as needed to maintain a comfortable body temperature. If you are worried about your symptoms, or know that you won’t be able to make it through withdrawal alone, consult your doctor or find a rehab facility for help. Opioid withdrawal can cause symptoms, such as restlessness, excessive sweating, and digestive issues, among others. These can show up within 12 hours after you take the last dose of the drug. Herbs aren’t just pleasant teas—they contain active compounds that can interact with medications in ways you might not expect.
- During withdrawal, your appetite might vanish, or your stomach might revolt at the sight of food.
- Additionally, vomiting often occurs during withdrawal, and the potential of vomiting under anesthesia greatly increases the risk of death.
- Make sure a friend or family member knows that you plan on attempting the withdrawal process.
- A clinical trial in Pakistan found that black seed significantly decreased withdrawal symptoms without affecting vital signs.
Understanding these symptoms provides a clearer picture of the challenges that home remedies might address. Opiate withdrawal can be a challenging and painful process, often leading individuals to seek various methods for relief. While some turn to professional treatment options, others explore home remedies to manage their symptoms. This blog explores the effectiveness, safety, and considerations of using home remedies for opiate withdrawal, helping you decide if this is the right path for you.
How to Use Herbal Remedies Safely
And ongoing support ensures you don’t have to face recovery alone. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine remain the gold standard for a reason – they work reliably for most people. These medications directly activate opioid receptors, providing controlled relief that can make withdrawal much more manageable. They’ve been studied extensively, with decades of research backing their effectiveness. They’ll also talk to you about your opioid use and recommend ways you can stop using opioids and avoid withdrawal.
This is especially true for herbs that affect neurotransmitter systems like GABA or serotonin. A typical approach might be reducing to 75% of your original dose for a week, then 50% for another week, and finally 25% for a final week before stopping completely. Many herbs affect your liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which is responsible for processing medications. This interaction can either weaken your medication (making it less effective) or strengthen it (potentially causing side effects).
If cost is a concern, check out our 50-state Medicaid rehab list to find free or low-cost addiction treatment programs. Many community health centers and nonprofit organizations also offer opioid detox assistance. This is often the hardest phase for those attempting withdrawal at home, as symptoms feel unbearable. The risk of relapse is highest during this period, especially for those going through heroin withdrawal without medical support. The withdrawal process varies from person to person and can be influenced by medical history, length of opioid use, and overall health.
How long should I take herbal remedies during withdrawal?
Also, multiple factors dictate how long a person will experience the symptoms of withdrawal. Prolonged use of these drugs changes the way nerve receptors work in your brain, and these receptors become dependent upon the drug to function. Opioid withdrawal can be categorized as mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe. Your doctor can determine this by evaluating your opioid use history and symptoms and by using diagnostic tools like the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale. Many systems in your body are altered when you take large amounts of opioids for a long time. Withdrawal effects occur because it takes time for your body to adjust to no longer having opioids in your system.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
The beauty of herbal remedies for opiate withdrawal symptoms isn’t that they replace medications, but that they can work alongside them. For example, passionflower might improve sleep quality while you’re on buprenorphine. Ginger could help with the nausea that sometimes accompanies methadone.
- That’s why people often feel shaky, sweaty, agitated, and deeply uncomfortable during withdrawal.
- You may not be able to prevent opioid withdrawal, but you can take steps to avoid severe symptoms.
- If you use opiates for an extended period of time, your body becomes desensitized to the drug.
- Preparing for detox in advance can help you put safeguards in place for when you must fight the urge to quit the detox process.
- It’s important to remember that natural supplements and herbs are not fully regulated by the FDA, so be careful if someone seems to be selling an idea too good to be true.
While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. If you need help finding treatment, we have Opiate Withdrawal Remedies a 50-state Medicaid rehab list that can connect you with free or low-cost options. If you have questions or just need support, feel free to reach out through our contact page—we would love to help however we can.
Though opiate withdrawal is not normally life threatening, the process can lead to symptoms that are difficult to manage. Some effects of withdrawal can even cause serious health complications. The severity of your withdrawal symptoms may also depend on your level of dependence. Detoxing from opioids involves gradually reducing use or stopping completely while managing withdrawal symptoms. Staying hydrated, using over-the-counter medications, and having a support system can help.
Black seed oil might reduce inflammation and discomfort during the tapering process. Understanding the timeline of withdrawal is crucial for anyone attempting to detox. Knowing what to expect and preparing for the different stages can make the process more manageable and reduce the risk of relapse. If symptoms feel overwhelming, seeking opioid addiction treatment can provide essential support to make detox safer and more effective. Struggling with opioid withdrawal means confronting a challenging mix of physical and psychological symptoms.
How long withdrawal symptoms last depends on the substance a person uses, the severity of their dependence on it, the duration of taking the drug, and many other factors. Thus, it can take a few days, weeks, or even months for the withdrawal symptoms to disappear completely. The symptoms that require you to visit a doctor if going through withdrawals are the ones that might be life-threatening if there’s no prompt reaction. These include seizures, excessive vomiting, and diarrhea that might lead to severe dehydration and mental health concerns. Ibuprofen can help with withdrawal symptoms and represents a common home remedy for opiate withdrawal in general.
