Usually under medical supervision, a tapering process can be monitored for people in withdrawal. Two common symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Withdrawal nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms that occur among people who have been addicted to drugs or even after a period of substance abuse. Mild to severe symptoms may occur but there are some ways to cope with the symptoms and feel better in recovery.
Symptom Control
The biggest challenge for people in recovery is controlling symptoms of withdrawal so they can begin the process of recovering well. Healing from addiction takes time as the body and brain have had too many drugs in their system and need help overcoming the challenges. Some of these include:
- Pepto-Bismol for nausea
- Acupuncture to stimulate points associated with nausea relief and massaging the wrists
- Stimulating motion sickness points with electrodes or hands to ease nausea
- Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Choosing bland foods like white toast, rice, and bananas to ease symptoms
Medical Help
Although nausea and vomiting are normal parts of withdrawal, if nausea or vomiting symptoms continue, they may indicate another underlying condition like pregnancy, food poisoning, or migraines. A family doctor may help if they notice withdrawal symptoms have not ended a week or so into it and rule out other causes. Vomiting repeatedly can hurt the stomach and esophagus. It is good to try things which may ease the nausea and make it easier to handle symptoms.
Easing Symptoms
There are only three medications approved by the FDA to treat alcohol abuse issues. None directly addresses symptoms but can help ease them a little:
- Antabuse: medication used to discourage individuals from using alcohol. When a person takes the drug and drinks, they get a severe, violent reaction
- The drug is used for people who have an incentive to stop drinking after several attempts have failed and are ready to quit
- People undergoing withdrawal symptoms at risk of drinking again may be prescribed this medication by a doctor
There are holistic ways to support withdrawal symptoms, also, but there are myriad ways to help a person in recovery. The key is to find a place to heal from addiction and find the support of treating physicians and therapists who understand addiction and mental health issues that focus on a holistic approach.
Oceanfront will help you kick addiction to the curb with our premier beachfront community in Laguna Beach. We are founded on the principle of providing the best in care and services at affordable prices. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 877-296-7477
