Choosing to quit using drugs or alcohol is the first step to overcoming addiction. Once people decide to stop, they can start looking for help. The next step is detox. Here are a few tips that can help people overcome drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding Drug and Alcohol Cravings

Woman helping distressed man battle drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Drug and alcohol cravings are some of the most intense and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms people face in detox. It's essential that they learn how to handle or make these cravings less intense. In some cases, people relapse because they can't manage the drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

The first thing that they have to know is that craving substances during drug or alcohol withdrawal is standard. Having cravings doesn't mean there's a problem. Some people think that cravings say they're weak and can't manage withdrawal. However, they arise for everyone when they stop using drugs.

Second, cravings don't last forever. The most intense cravings happen within the first couple of days. After that, they tend to lessen in intensity. Also, people can do several things to manage cravings during and after withdrawal, including:

  • Positive self-talk to reaffirm their knowledge that cravings don't last forever and help them stay positive
  • Surfing the cravings with distractions to help them get through the craving waves
  • Avoiding triggers to keep their cravings to a minimum

Tips for Managing Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Managing drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms isn't something people should do on their own. It's best to seek professional help. Rehab centers can help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse when the symptoms get intense. Thankfully, residents can do a few things to control withdrawal symptoms, too.

Exercise is a great way to handle withdrawal. It's not only a great distraction but also releases endorphins naturally. People can use exercise as a new hobby to replace their drug use as well.

It's important to learn to "delay" too. It helps them hold off from using drugs or alcohol during peak cravings. In general, the peaks only last around 10 to 20 minutes. If they can hold out during these peak periods, they can usually hold off altogether.

One great way to delay is for people to engage in hobbies during peak cravings. For example, if they use exercise as a hobby, they can work out during peak cravings. However, they don't have to turn to exercise as their hobby of choice. They can try painting, playing video games or even reading books.

Also, it's essential for people to eat right and drink plenty of water during withdrawal. The body has the tools it needs to overcome addiction side effects. However, people have to give the body what it needs to use these tools. Eating right, drinking water and getting plenty of sleep are the keys to helping the body heal itself.

Let Kemah Palms Help You With Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

If you need help overcoming your addiction, then turn to Kemah Palms Recovery® in Kemah, Texas. We have the knowledge and staff to show you the way to recovery. We offer various Houston substance abuse treatment programs, including:

  • Medical detox program
  • Inpatient drug rehab program
  • Outpatient rehab program
  • Chronic pain recovery program
  • Aftercare program
  • Family addiction treatment program

We offer many holistic treatment services as well. These help people reduce stress and focus on their rehab treatment. Through the use of holistic programs such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, we can help you heal while you relax.

Don't let another day of your life slip away because of withdrawal. Find out what it takes to overcome drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms at Kemah Palms. Call us at 713-568-1210 for more information about how we can help.