Going through withdrawal is one of the hardest things someone could go through. Along with the constant cravings, many people experience symptoms like sweating, anxiety, insomnia, muscles aches, and blurry vision. Some of the later stage symptoms included diarrhea and stomach pain. These symptoms are inconvenient, can be incredibly uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening. If you are experiencing these symptoms, its important to monitor them and how long they last. If the symptoms persist, seek medical help to rule out an underlying viral or bacterial infection.
Here are some tips to help you cope with the diarrhea and stomach pains associated with drug withdrawal.
- Avoid hot drinks, acidic fruits, and spicy foods. Stick to bland foods like white toast, white rice, and bananas. These are easy on your stomach and will cause less irritation if you are unable to keep them down.
- Probiotics like yogurts with live/active cultures can help reduce the severity and length of your diarrhea.
- If you are suffering from nausea and vomiting, it might be best to avoid solid food intake until the initial acute withdrawal phase passes.
- STAY HYDRATED! It is vitally important that you replenish the fluids in your system. Continuously sip water.
- Along with drinking water, replenish your electrolytes with Gatorades and Pedialyte. Fruit juices can also help replace electrolytes, but there is a risk they will exacerbate your diarrhea.
- You can also make your own rehydration fluid from the following recipe:
- 1 quart of water
- ¾ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Sugar-free lemonade or orange-pineapple drink powder for flavor
You can also use over-the-counter medications like Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismal (Bismuth), or Imodium (Loperamide) to help control your diarrhea and slow down your bowel movements.
If your symptoms persist, seek medical advice from your doctor. Some people who suffer from these symptoms return to drug use to soothe their discomfort. Talking to your doctor can prevent a relapse. They could also prescribe Gabapentin or an antispasmodic like Bentyl to help with your gastrointestinal discomfort.
Remember, the discomfort you experience during this stage will be worth a new life free from your addiction. IHAT can help you get the help you need to overcome opiate dependency. You shouldn’t go through this alone, seek help!
