Natural Remedies for Dealing with Withdrawal Symptoms

The Introduction to Psychology, Sixth Edition, describes withdrawal as a combination of painful physical and psychological symptoms that occur after the cessation of an addictive substance. Some addictive drugs like alcohol, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine, trigger the release of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is commonly refereed to as the feel good chemical in the brain. Drug addiction has also been attributed to the fact that these addictive substances may reduce negative feelings. Symptoms of narcotics withdrawal may include depression, body odor, sweating, cough, irritability, insomnia, and fatigue. Tremors, nightmares, headache, upset stomach, vomiting, anxiety attacks and seizures have also been observed in the patient experiencing withdrawal from a substance.

When preparing to stop abusing prescription medications or narcotics, it is extremely important to consult a physician. Because of the severity of the withdrawal symptoms, monitoring by a medical professional may be necessary to prevent harmful symptoms, and on occasion, death. In addition to conventional medical intervention, support groups may help a patient to deal with some of the depression associated with chemical withdrawal. Diversion through music and exercise have also been helpful in the management of withdrawal symptoms.

In the case of a severe opiate addiction, it may be deemed necessary by your physician to undergo outpatient treatment at a methadone clinic. This treatment involves decreasing doses of the controlled medication, methadone, to help the patient gradually wean his or herself from the opiates.

Depending on how the chemical is metabolized and eliminated, an herbal tea may help to cleans the system. One common herbal detoxification tea consists of green tea, taheebo, cascara sagrada, and echinacea. This combination tea should not be used by those patients with allergic reactions to sunflowers, or sunflower products.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms have been compared to having a moderate to severe hangover that lasts for several days. This can include jitters, anxiety, insomnia, increases in heart rate, hallucinations, or delirium tremens. There may also be certain nutritional deficiencies in the alcoholic patient.

When going through alcohol withdrawal it is important to remain hydrated. Most of the hangover-like symptoms are from dehydration. Coffee is thought to increase withdrawal symptoms, so the patient should stick to water and fruit juices. This will also help to eliminate residual alcohol from the system.

Milk Thistle has been shown to reduce deaths associated with cirrhosis of the liver. The extract of milk thistle works by blocking and removing harmful toxins from the cells. Milk thistle has also been shown to regenerate damaged liver cells in tests.

A dose of 1,000 milligrams of Kudzu, a quick growing American weed, three times a day has been shown to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed by heavy drinkers.

Because Alcoholism causes vitamin deficiencies in the body, vitamin supplements may help to ease some of the symptoms of withdrawal associated with alcohol abuse. Discus taking Niacin, vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C with your physician.

Again, support groups may be the most valuable tool to the patient experiencing withdrawal from alcohol. There are a variety of forums nationally, and the number to your local Alcoholics Anonymous can be found in the phone book. You will be able to discuss your personal experiences, and listen to the experience of other recovering alcoholics, and may pick up some other tips on dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal.