How to Kick a Painkiller Addiction

Having a painkiller addiction can be difficult to overcome depending on the strength of the drug and the amount of time an addict has been abusing it. It is also important to keep in mind that the withdrawal symptoms of opioids during a detox can be life threatening, and this may need to be experienced in a facility that specializes in, and is equipped for, this kind of detox. It is possible to overcome a painkiller addiction, however. Here are some things that you can do to kick a painkiller addiction.

1. Go to Rehab

It is very possible that you will need to enroll in a drug rehab program to fully overcome a painkiller addiction due to the fact that they are highly addictive. This may be an in or outpatient program depending on the severity of the situation. For those who are likely to experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms, an inpatient rehab facility is always recommended.

2. Exercise

Low intensity exercise can help with easing joint and muscle pain over time. Things like swimming, walking, and going for bike rides are some examples of low intensity workouts that are beneficial. Doing this can also improve your sleeping habits over time as well. In addition, exercise promotes the natural release of important hormones and endorphins, which may be otherwise disrupted after long term drug abuse.

3. Massage Therapy

Like exercise, massage therapy promotes the natural release of crucial hormones and endorphins needed for a healthy body. These are released through the brain’s responses to human touch. It can also help with reducing stress and anxiety, which may psychologically make your pain feel more severe.

4. Yoga

Yoga is excellent for those recovering from a painkiller addiction because it has all of the benefits of low intensity exercise combined with the benefits of meditation. Therefore, it promotes the natural release of hormones and endorphins while also reducing stress and anxiety.

5. Meditation

Meditation reduces stress and anxiety by promoting mindfulness and incorporating breathing exercises. As mentioned before, excessive stress and anxiety can increase the intensity of symptoms of pain in recovering painkiller addicts. It can also be a trigger for many people, which could increase the likelihood of a relapse occurring.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and nutrients can greatly improve your health and how you feel about yourself. These things are very important during addiction recovery. Keeping yourself hydrated can help with reducing symptoms like nausea during a drug detox as well.

7. Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for battling fatigue naturally throughout the day. As a result, being well rested will make you more productive and happy as well.

8. Have a Support System

Having a strong support system is crucial during painkiller addiction treatment and recovery. Being able to turn to close friends and family for support during both the good and the bad times will make you feel better about your recovery and yourself overall. Having a strong support system also greatly reduces the chances of a relapse from taking place, and, if one does occur, it improves your chances for continuing with your treatment after.

9. Have a Daily Routine

Having a daily routine ensures that you keep yourself busy, healthy, and productive. You can build your daily routine easily by establishing a time where you wake up, go to bed, eat meals, and exercise. Incorporating things like classes can be a fun way to fill your schedule with things that you look forward to as well.

1. Keep Yourself Busy

As mentioned before, it is important that you fill your day with activities. This helps you to distract yourself from addiction cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can help you to avoid your triggers as well. Having a set daily routine can help you to fill your time productively, but even with this you are bound to have some free time. Boredom can be an addiction trigger for many people, so it is a good idea to take up some hobbies and things to do for when you find yourself sitting around.

11. Go to Support Group Meetings

Going to support group meetings is a great way to connect with other individuals who are going through a similar situation. You will also likely have the chance to meet people who are farther into their recovery than you are. This allows you to ask others for their valuable advice and see that you are not alone.

12. Go to Therapy

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for mental health problems to cause a painkiller addiction, or a painkiller addiction to cause mental health issues. As a result, many people can benefit from various types of therapy. Addiction therapy is also available and recommended to many recovering painkiller addicts.

Conclusion

Painkiller addiction treatment can seem daunting, but there are many things that you can do to get through it. Filling your time, having a daily routine, exercising, meditating, and massage therapy are beneficial activities that you can do to distract yourself from addiction cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet improves your overall physical health. Meanwhile having a strong support system, going to therapy and going to support group meetings can help make mental health improvements as well.