Most moments in life are temporary, and that includes addiction. Recovery far exceeds the discomfort you will experience during opioid detox. Opioid withdrawal is quite intimidating—in fact, the fear of opioid withdrawal keeps countless men and women sick and suffering. They might want to overcome a substance use disorder and go on to lead a happier and more fulfilling life, but they might be paralyzed by fear of experiencing the physical discomfort that goes hand-in-hand with detox.
Fortunately, the right Massachusetts opioid rehab center at Evoke Waltham can help you overcome your fear of withdrawal. During detox and throughout recovery, these centers guide individuals to physical, mental, and emotional healing. They provide compassionate, evidence-based care that prepares clients for long-term sobriety. Many quality opioid treatment programs have licensed medical staff onsite that can prescribe medications to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. To learn more about how to overcome the fear of opioid withdrawal and seek treatment, call Evoke Waltham at 866.276.1920.
Why Do People Fear Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?
Medical detox centers’ main priority is providing patients with 24/7 access to medical care and any non-narcotic, pain-relieving medications they may need. If you are afraid of experiencing pain that goes hand in hand with opioid withdrawal, rest assured that this pain will be 99% diminished. Any discomfort you feel will be temporary and only last for several days. Secondly, you must ask yourself what exactly you are afraid of. Are you afraid of the physical symptoms, which generally resemble the symptoms associated with a bad flu?
Are you afraid of psychological symptoms, including:
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Fear of relapse
Or, if you are honest with yourself, are you afraid of the prospect of never being able to do drugs or drink alcohol again? When people are completely honest with themselves, they generally find that their fear stems from something they didn’t previously admit—or maybe even that they didn’t know. Take an honest and fearless look at what is scaring you and do what you can to go from there. Learning how to overcome the fear of opioid withdrawal can be an essential first step in your journey to recovery.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Feeling overwhelmed by opioid withdrawal can be daunting, especially since associated symptoms can often be uncomfortable and intense. Some of those withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle and bone aches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitation
- Sweating
However, overcoming the fear of withdrawal is vital to finding lasting treatment success. Though it may feel impossible, people have become sober and embraced life without opioids. One successful approach is focusing on how you’re feeling at that moment. Recognizing how far you have come and how much progress you’ve made can help disarm the fear of relapse and remind yourself that you can abstain. Additionally, open communication with your support systems, such as family and friends, can be a powerful coping tool for navigating the complex process of opioid withdrawal.
Tips for Overcoming Fear of Opiate Detox Symptoms
We have compiled several helpful tips to help you overcome the fear of withdrawal. Remember that everything in life is temporary and that the gifts of recovery far exceed the short-lived discomfort you will experience when you undergo opioid detox.
Remember that You Have Been Through Much Worse in Your Life Already
If you have grappled with active opioid addiction, there is no chance that undergoing withdrawal will be worse than what you have already experienced.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation Before Entering a Recovery Program
Practice calming down your body and mind so that you have the proper tools when the time comes.
Speak to Someone Who Has Been Through the Detox Process Before You
Talking to somebody about their experiences will help alleviate stress related to the unknown. If you are unsure how to find somebody who has already been through the opioid detox process, feel free to reach out to Evoke Waltham. Many of our staff members have been exactly where you are right now, and if you feel more comfortable, we are happy to point you in the direction of one of our alumni.
Remember that Everything is Temporary
We have already mentioned this, but we can not stress it enough. At the very most, opioid withdrawal lasts for approximately two weeks, only if the substance use disorder is very severe. In most cases, the symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal will resolve within one week and even sooner if a team of medical professionals closely oversees them.
Learn How to Overcome Opioid Withdrawl Fear at Evoke Waltham
At Evoke Waltham, we offer convenient addiction treatment for opioid use and recovery-related advice whenever needed. We know how scary undergoing opioid withdrawal might seem, especially if you have never experienced withdrawal symptoms and are unsure what to expect. Rest assured that the withdrawal process is extremely short-lived and that the discomfort you share will be nothing like the acute devastation of active addiction. Contact us today at 866.276.1920 to learn more ways how to overcome the fear of opioid withdrawal.,
