Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from slightly uncomfortable feelings of becoming an extreme discomfort. If an individual is dependent on alcohol for an extended period, then there is a good chance that they have been regularly consuming it or a heavy drinker.
Long-term substance abuse is usually caused by physical pain or underlying conditions in which liquor was used to self-medicate these problems. Usually, individuals will be tempted to return to their old habits to ease their withdrawal symptoms or discomfort. The key to a successful treatment is to consult an addiction treatment professional before entering a detoxification facility and to know its timeline.
To know more about substance abuse, visit this site for details.
Aside from doing the things mentioned above, patients can also do some activities designed to keep their attention focused, and minds occupied to help pass the time as symptoms fade. In this article, we will take a closer look at some ways to cope with this problem.
Drink tons of fluids that contain a lot of electrolytes
A lot of individuals with this kind of disorder suffer from nausea and dehydration. Drinking tons of fluids, especially fluids loaded with electrolytes, will help address nausea and dehydration. Magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium are electrolytes usually found in sports drinks. Making sure the patient is consuming the electrolytes mentioned above can help their body to hydrate itself a lot better.
Do not go through this problem alone
Patients need to reach out to their friends and family members before they start their detoxification journey and ask them for any type of support they can offer during this process. The more support they have, the better. Patients need to consider scheduling friends and family members’ visits so that they are never alone in the first few weeks of their journey. A support group can help patients in a lot of ways during withdrawal.
To know more about this kind of addiction, check out https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm for more info.
Remember that they are not alone in this process
A lot of individuals with substance addictions believe that they are alone in this process. It can be comforting to know that millions and millions of people have gone through the same process as them. They should consider themselves part of a tight-knit community. Patients need to stand in solidarity with other patients who have decided to face this challenge to achieve a more comfortable and healthier lifestyle.
Survive the cravings
Alcohol cravings will be one of the most difficult challenges during this time. There will be various points throughout the process where individuals will be tempted to have one small sip. It is very helpful to think of these cravings as a wave. It builds, peak, crashes and dissipate.
Eventually, these cravings will go away sooner or later. Not only that, do not think that since on craving stopped, others will not come. Usually, these cravings can come immediately after the other one dissipates – in succession to each other.
First aid kits are very important – always have them nearby
Patients can get small containers, put some valuable items in them, and scatter them in various areas of the house. These items need to be representative of items that keep them stable and grounded. Individuals experiencing this problem can put whatever they like in these kits.
The purpose of these items is to remind them of life without liquor and why they entered the recovery process and get strong in the first place. During the withdrawal, individuals will usually feel like the treatment is not worth the pain they are suffering. These first aid kits will help them stay determined and focused on succeeding.
Fast forward
A good coping method is to fast forward their relapse fantasy. Individuals may find themselves dreaming about having a small sip of their favorite beer or liquor. Instead of daydreaming about the short-term relief that will come with that simple drink, think beyond that to the eventual pain it will cause after that simple drink.
They need to think about all the tasks they have done up to this point and how many problems they can cause. Consider how returning to this habit will only prolong the issue and create more problems and pain as they enter the detoxification procedure again. Try to mentally link the alcohol consumption to pain, not relief or pleasure.
Eat healthy vegetables and fruits
When ethanol found in alcoholic drinks metabolizes in the body, it turns into sugar. Eating fruits and vegetables can help our body to balance this sugar to levels that the body is used to. Not only that, these foods are good for our body.