What are the Best Tips for Opiate Recovery?

The process of opiate recovery involves giving the body time to eliminate the harmful toxins built up from the use of drugs such as heroin. This is usually a difficult process because of the potential for negative side effects, including cravings, anxiety, boredom and depression. Still, following several tips can make the opiate recovery process a less painful one and increase one's odds of successfully kicking the drug habit.

Temporarily joining a drug rehabilitation facility is often a good idea because of the understanding and helpful environment. The staff in these facilities is equipped to help those struggling through the detox process. Working with a professional can provide the support needed to make it through opiate withdrawal. The odds of a relapse are substantially less if a person is in rehab as opposed to trying opiate recovery on his own. It's also usually wise to eliminate any obligations for at least a week so one can focus completely on the recovery process.

Staying healthy is another part of successfully treating opiate addiction. The body's immune system tends to become weakened with frequent drug use, so eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is vital to getting one's body in good shape. It's also a good idea for a person trying to deal with opiate recovery to take a few vitamin supplements and drink plenty of water. This combination can help to ease the discomfort involved with the process.

One also should try to get as much sleep as possible during opiate recovery, because this helps to keep both the body and mind strong. Many opiate users do not achieve the same level of deep sleep as non-addicted people and it throws off their circadian rhythm. Therefore, it will take time for the body to recover and return to its normal sleep cycles. Taking naps whenever possible and going to bed at a reasonably early time are both good ideas for achieving this.

Joining a recovery program after the initial detox process and avoiding people who are still users are other key components of maintaining an opiate-free lifestyle. The potential for relapse is always there, so it's important to stay on track and persevere over the addiction. Recovery programs can be found by either asking a doctor or by searching online for treatment facilities. Severing all ties to current opiate users can be difficult but is vital to keeping one clean and healthy in the future.