The internet is full of DIY recommendations, including natural remedies to help with drug withdrawal. However, it is essential to be cautious of home remedies, wives tales, or DIY detox approaches regarding health and the dangers of addiction.
Basically, natural remedies like herbs or oils are not recommended as standalone treatments. Some of these products may benefit certain people as supplements to a comprehensive, professional treatment plan. However, unfortunately, many people use only one or more natural supplements as a DIY approach to overcome addiction. Doing so is ineffective, increases the risk of relapse, and may also exacerbate other health risks.
To be effective, an addiction treatment program must address physical, psychological, vocational, social, and other specific issues related to the addiction.1 Let’s explore home remedies and explain why they may not help with drug withdrawal.
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Home Remedies for Drug Withdrawal
Some of the common recommendations that people find when they search for home remedies for withdrawal:
- Ginger oil or capsules to treat nausea.
- Vitamin C for antioxidant effects and to boost endorphins.
- Magnesium for GABA stimulation and reducing cravings.
- Passionflower extract to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
- Ginseng to reduce anxiety and mood swings.
- Nigella sativa to lower neurotoxic effects.
- Zinc to minimize pain and dependency risks.
- Rosemary oil and lavender oil to lower stress and anxiety.
There are plenty of other alternative suggestions and home remedies. Today, there are also supplements explicitly designed to treat withdrawal symptoms. They may include a variety of ingredients, and some come with dangerous health claims.
It is wise to avoid buying these supplement combinations for use as a standalone approach to treating withdrawals. The FDA often sends warning letters to companies that make or distribute supplements with potentially dangerous health claims.2
How Withdrawal Becomes Dangerous
There are several risks associated with drug withdrawal that can become life-threatening problems.3 Here are some examples:
- Seizures from physiological changes in the body.
- Severe dehydration from excessive vomiting or diarrhea.
- Intense cravings leading to a relapse and a high risk of fatal overdose.
These dangers demonstrate why it is important to work with a professional addiction treatment center.
As a person stops using a drug, the individual needs support, and guidance. Certain people require close supervision due to their risk of relapse or complex health issues. However, other individuals may only need outpatient support while starting an addiction treatment and stopping the use of a drug. Medical professionals will ensure that they have effective treatments to improve comfort and manage their symptoms.
Why Home Remedies May Not Help With Drug Withdrawal
Although some of the previous substances listed may not be harmful to everyone, they can be detrimental when misused or used unnecessarily. For example, a person may apply an essential oil directly to the skin or consume it without diluting it properly. Some supplements have other effects that can be dangerous to people who have underlying health issues. For example, someone who has low sodium should not take a supplement that can reduce sodium levels without consulting a doctor.
One of the biggest dangers lies in choosing a self-treatment approach that may be incomplete or inadequate for personal needs. People often try to treat one symptom and may not notice other symptoms that require treatment. Keep in mind that addiction is a brain disease that alters the brain’s chemical functions, and the effects often linger even after a substance leaves the body.4 People need emotional, physical, and mental health support as they go through detox and experience withdrawal. And further, they need continued treatment following detox for lasting addiction recovery.
Finding Help for Addiction Treatment in Arizona
At Desert Cove Recovery of Scottsdale, we treat each person with an individualized approach. Our team understands how unpleasant withdrawal is and the potential dangers that come with it. Also, we know that each person’s needs differ based on the type of drug use, history of misuse, and other factors.
While our addiction treatment services focus on recovery, we offer referrals for medical detoxification to people who need it. To help people enter and stay in recovery, we offer 12-step, holistic, and extended care outpatient treatment programs.
To learn more about help with drug withdrawal and overcoming drug addiction, please contact us.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment
[2] https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/attachments/ftc-us-fda-opioid-warning-letters-january-2018/soothedrawal_warning_letter_final_1-11-18.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/
[4] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
