In this Article, We will discuss the following:

  • What is Opiate addiction?
  • What is Opiate withdrawal?
  • How to get rid of an Opiate addiction?
  • What are the natural remedies for Opiate withdrawal?
  • Do the natural remedies for Opiate withdrawal work?
  • Frequently asked questions

For centuries people have tried using natural remedies for Opiate withdrawal. How effective are they? How are they taken? What are natural remedies employed? These are some of the questions that we will be dealing with, in this article.

Many herbal supplements are also out there in the market which claims to be the best ones and claims actually to treat all the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal. How accurate are their claims, let’s find it out in the article below.

What is Opiate addiction?

What is Opiate addictionOpiate addiction occurs due to excessive use of Opiates over a prolonged time. Opiates act on the receptors in the brains which are also called Opiate receptors.

These receptors are also present in other parts of the body, and they come in three varieties, namely: mu, delta, and kappa. Opiates show agonism at these receptors.

When an opiate binds to an Opiate receptor, it starts a series of intercellular signaling. The final product of this signaling results in increased sympathetic discharge, the release of pain pathway neurotransmitters, and the sustained release of serotonin and dopamine.

All these hormones and neurotransmitters together are responsible for the effects produced when Opiates are consumed, inhaled or injected.

Addiction to opiates starts when the extrinsic supply of Opiates diminishes the intrinsic production of Opiates.

Now the body is well aware that there is an exogenous supply of Opiates, so it goes into a hibernation mode.

Once you cut off the exogenous supply, you realize that you are in danger because by now the body has become accustomed to the presence of Opiates and it can’t function without Opiates.

This is when you crave for Opiates. Eventually, these cravings increase so much that you have to regularly take Opiates with growing frequency and dosage to make your body function.

This is how you gradually built up a tolerance to the effects of Opiates, and you become dependent on it.

What is Opiate withdrawal?

Opiate withdrawalComplete cessation of Opiates is called Opiate withdrawal. This phenomenon comes with a set of symptoms that are termed as Opiate withdrawal symptoms or Opiate withdrawal syndrome.

What happens is that when you get addicted to Opiates, you need a continuous and generous supply of Opiates to function.

Your mood, your energy levels, your pain-free symptoms entirely depend on the intake of Opiates.

Once you quit taking Opiates, you feel specific symptoms. These are divided into two categories; the early signs and the late symptoms.

The early phase of Opiate withdrawal begins after quitting Opiates, and it lasts for up to two to three days. The symptoms of this period include muscle aches, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, sweating, increased lacrimation or tearing, runny nose, yawning, and fever.

The late phase symptoms appear around 72 hours after quitting Opiates and continue for a week or more.

In some chronic Opiate abusers, the symptoms may prolong to a month or more. These symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dilated pupils, and goosebumps.

Some symptoms of anxiety and depression may develop within a year and continue to be there for years.

How to get rid of an Opiate addiction?

Getting rid of Opiate addiction requires patience and determination. It is not a one day or a one-week thing.

When you know you want to quit taking Opiates, only then can you stop taking it. It requires consistency. You begin by slowly and gradually decreasing your dosage.

Taper it gradually to avoid any severe symptoms. At the same time, you will need certain drugs and remedies to help you through the process.

Most importantly, you will need family support and counseling because during the Opiate withdrawal period one may have compromised mental health.

What are the natural remedies for Opiate withdrawal?

Some natural remedies are available that can be employed to get rid of the Opiate addiction. Some of these are mentioned below;

  • Passion Flower for Opiate Withdrawal

Passion FlowerThis flower has been a primary natural remedy used for Opiate withdrawal. It is also called passiflora.

The active components of Passionflower are quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and kaempferol along with some minor active substances.

These dynamic elements are responsible for evoking sedation, alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and stress.

This way it has been a mainstay drug for Opiate withdrawal. It can be taken in the form of a capsule, extract or powder form.

  • Ginseng Plant for Opiate Withdrawal

Ginseng PlantIt is a stimulant as well as a sedative, similar in action to Kratom but milder. It also improves muscle tone, and therefore it is cardiotonic too.

It helps in increasing the ability of a person to combat stress, fatigue, cold as well as hunger.

It consists of Triterpenoids, saponins and the primary active component Ginsenosides. It helps in alleviating Opiate withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

  • Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal

KratomThe magical drug that has healed many and saved many lives.

Kratom is similar in action to Opiates, as it acts on the Opiate receptors but it doesn’t cause significant addiction.

It helps in easing Opiate withdrawal symptoms like pain, abdominal cramps, low mood, low energy levels, fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The red strains of Kratom are useful in Opiate withdrawal.

kava kavaAlso called Piper Methysticum, the tea of this herb is famous throughout the world.

It is known to cause significant relaxation and ease symptoms of anxiety and nervousness.

It also helps in sedation. It can also be taken in the form of capsules. It shouldn’t be taken by those who have pre-existing hepatobiliary and renal disorders.

  • Ginger for Opiate Withdrawal

It contains gingerols that are known as anti-inflammatory substances. Ginger helps in easing nausea and vomiting associated with Opiate withdrawal as well as teary eyes and runny nose. It can be taken in the form of Ginger tea and Ginger juice.

  • Mucuna Pruriens for Opiate Withdrawal

Mucuna PruriensIt contains levodopa which is the precursor to dopamine. Dopamine levels are depleted in the Opiate withdrawal phase.

It helps in replenishing the levels of dopamine in the body, thus improving mood and causing euphoria, simultaneously improving sleeping habits.

  • Ibogaine Root for Opiate Withdrawal

It is known to decrease the hyperactive states of the neurons. Hyperactivity of neurons results in the firing of many nerve impulses resulting in anxiety. Thus, Ibogaine settles the symptoms of anxiety.

  • Rhodiola Rosea for Opiate Withdrawal

It helps in improving mood and causing mild euphoria by increasing the body levels of dopamine.

Rhodiola RoseaDo the natural remedies for Opiate withdrawal work?

Yes, the natural remedies for Opiate withdrawal work, but no single treatment can treat all the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal.

Therefore it is necessary to consult a doctor for Opiate withdrawal rather than entirely relying on these solutions.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Opiate addiction if I take medicine?

Yes, if you take proper counseling sessions, with medicine and regular exercise, your cravings for Opiate will reduce, and you will recover quickly.

Can I take Opiates with these natural remedies and expect withdrawal?

You can taper the dose of Opiates and take any one of the remedies simultaneously to deal with the Opiate withdrawal syndrome efficiently.

Can I take more than one of these natural remedies?

It is highly contraindicated as the active components of various natural remedies can interact causing disastrous effects.

If I am taking medicine for other ailments, can I start treating Opiate withdrawal simultaneously?

No, there are chances of drug interaction, therefore consult your doctor before consuming any of these remedies.

What else can I do to get rid of Opiate withdrawal symptoms quickly?

  • Maintain a healthy diet. Take proper nutritional food.
  • Ensure adequate hydration.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take warm/hot baths.
  • Take supplements and vitamins to replenish the stores of the vitamins in the body.
  • Going to acupuncture can help in alleviating pain.
  • Massaging helps in reducing muscle cramps and aids in muscle relaxation.

These natural remedies along with lifestyle and dietary modification and help one return to normal life and get to live a happy life again. The only key to the achievement of success is persistence and determination.

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