Benzodiazepine Withdrawal - Best Tips For Coping Successfully
Cold turkey:
If you're currently going for a benzodiazepine, please do not discontinue the drug abruptly as this really is dangerous and may cause seizures, withdrawal psychosis and protracted withdrawal. It is best to withdraw at an appropriate pace determined by you, beneath the supervision of your doctor and using a tapering schedule such as those outlined in the Ashton Manual.
Unique experiences:
It is best to not anticipate a hard withdrawal as each individual's experience is unique and not everybody is at the mercy of severe and protracted symptoms. Focusing mainly on negative accounts and anticipating the worst may intensify your anxiety and hinder recovery.
Support system:
Having a dependable support base of at the very least several members of the family or friends to provide emotional and practical support could make a large difference. Don't hesitate to request help if you need it. If you're isolated, try getting online forum support from people who can relate genuinely to your experience. Even speaking to a helpline worker surpasses trying to cope by yourself; sharing your concerns could be therapeutic.
Affirmations/Positive Self-talk:
This can be a powerful strategy for coping with worrying thoughts. As opposed to focusing on the observable symptoms and intensifying your anxiety, you need to use positive affirmations such as "I am grateful for my healing" or "Every day in most way, I am improving and better" to create a positive shift in energy. Try to stay in awareness and whenever you spot the negative self-talk just gently tell you to ultimately stop'(without judgment) and switch to a positive affirmation.
Breathing:
Finding a minimum of one breathing technique that works positively for you personally is key. A good way to create a rhythm is by focusing on your breath as you take air in and breathe out slowly. There are numerous strongly suggested techniques including diaphragmatic breathing. Once you find the one that is useful for you personally - that feels unforced and natural - use it to your advantage.
Self-nurturing:
This can be a time to be self-indulgent so do not feel guilty if all you're feeling like doing is curling up on the couch with a great book or movie. Enjoy distracting yourself with online games, keep mentally stimulated with puzzles, watch funny You Tube clips, try watercolor painting, pay attention to uplifting music and do all of the leisurely activities you had virtually no time for when life was busy. Avoid stressful situations, emotionally draining people and remember it's okay to say 'no '. Those that genuinely care will understand and once you are well again you will have the ability to commit and give more of yourself.
Dietary modifications:
During withdrawal the nervous system could be in a consistent state of hyper-excitability. Some find it essential to monitor and modify their diets to minimize gastric disturbances and other symptoms. Having small, frequent, simple, low glycemic meals, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, sugar/sweeteners, mono sodium glutamate (MSG) and processed ready-meals are reported to help. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.
Alcohol:
Alcohol works for a passing fancy receptors in the brain as benzos (GABA). Having even a small amount during withdrawal is recognized to exacerbate symptoms since it interferes with receptors 'up-regulation or healing. If you're having unpleasant symptoms and are still consuming alcohol, try omitting it for a while and see if your condition improves. This really is important; people who consume alcohol during withdrawal should not be surprised if symptoms work for a long time and are intense.
Exercise:
Implementing a vigorous exercise routine can occasionally worsen symptoms so a light routine with gradual increase is advisable. Conversely, exercise well tolerated can be extremely beneficial during withdrawal; your system enables you to know your limits. Even a short walk in fresh air or even a simple yoga routine to help keep the power flowing should make a positive difference.
Complementary therapies:
The reported benefits of massages, osteopathy, chiropractic care, reflexology and other complementary therapies during withdrawal are conflicting. In cases of extreme sensitivity they are able to cause symptom flare-ups and it's good to keep yourself informed of this. In case you have an unwanted reaction, a light approach could be an alternative and soon you are well enough to savor deeper stimulation.
Supplements:
Vitamins and other supplements rehab programs poughkeepsie ny cause negative reactions in certain people while others are finding that they appear to help. Anyone could proudly announce that the particular supplement was a miracle remedy or accelerated healing in some manner and when another tries it, the results is unpleasant. It is a matter of observing and excluding: if you're having a problematic withdrawal while taking supplements, try omitting them to see if your symptoms improve.
Sleep:
When sleep is disrupted during withdrawal it will take time for a normal pattern to be resumed. When you yourself have already eliminated the most common culprits such as caffeine, alcohol, uncomfortable room temperature, television in room, late news/mental stimulation, loud noises, bright lights, etc.,
you might try sleep CDs, breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques. However, during acute withdrawal you could find that nothing works. Non-resistance will minimize your anxiety and deep relaxation and rest may be the only options. Eventually you will sleep for a couple hours at a time and this can increase until you end up having the full, sound night's sleep of a much better quality than when you had been on the drug.
Acceptance:
The main withdrawal coping tool is acceptance of the symptoms. If you can assume the role of 'detached observer 'and acknowledge that the observable symptoms are temporary and an essential road to recovery, then you might not feel inclined to fight them. The more you resist, the more power you share with the observable symptoms, and they find yourself having a much stronger than necessary influence on your experience. Acceptance is the key to a less strenuous recovery journey.
