Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal

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Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« on: March 13, 2007, 09:40:53 AM » by strivn4virtue

Hello everyone! This is my first post and I'm new to this forum and to natural health. I've been reading these posts off and on but decided to join bc I desperately need info and don't know where to find it.
My brother-in-law broke his leg 2 1/2 years ago and had to have surgery, metal rods, etc. He was put on the narcotic hydrocodone for pain and has been on it ever since. The leg still swells and gives him a fit and he's been told it won't get any better. He has decided to take some time off work soon and detox himself to get off the meds so my husband asked me to try to find something to help him. That is a LONG time to be on a narcotic and not to mention he took more than the daily dosage to deal with the pain. His doctor suggested a methadone clinic but he didn't want to do that. That was what made me realize this is serious stuff!!! I've never had a drug addiction and don't know much about that or much about anything (I feel like after reading some of these posts). Can someone help, direct me, tell me where to call, where to find info or know of a way to help get him off this horrible stuff??? Much appreciation in advance...may God bless!

« Last Edit: March 13, 2007, 05:28:51 PM by strivn4virtue »
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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2007, 01:46:08 AM » by herbalmom

I just saw this & the only thing I can think of right now is to keep the blood sugar balanced. 2 reasons- the blood sugar will tend to crash with the stress of withdrawl & it is harder to tolerate ANYTHING uncomfortable when your blood sugar is low. I will think about it & post more if I come up with anything.

Strivn4virtue, welcome to the forum. Since your new I figure you may not know that you can "bump" your post. If the thread drops off the main page you can get it back on the main page so people can see it & respond by putting in a post with or without quote that says "bump". I'm sure that people her will be able to help & bumping will help people see this so they can respond. Please post your brother-in-law's situation on the prayer request thread also. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

« Last Edit: March 22, 2007, 12:39:35 AM by herbalmom »
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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2007, 06:59:23 AM » by SarahK

bump

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2007, 08:09:43 AM » by Kansas Girl

Quote from: strivn4virtue on March 13, 2007, 09:40:53 AM

My brother-in-law broke his leg 2 1/2 years ago and had to have surgery, metal rods, etc. He was put on the narcotic hydrocodone for pain and has been on it ever since. The leg still swells and gives him a fit and he's been told it won't get any better

My brother was in a horrible accident a year ago and had to have the metal rod put in his leg also. It has never healed properly either. This makes me wonder what kind of medication he has been on, because I know he is still taking something. His doctor has mentioned the possibility of having to do surgery again to take out the metal rod. My mom is really hoping that they won't do that, but personally I wonder if it is the body rejecting the rod and that is preventing healing. I hope you find the answers you need. -KG

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2007, 08:40:28 AM » by Kati*did

Strivn4virtue, I don't know if this will be helpful or not, but it's an idea. My husband and I had a really good friend who was completely messed up on drugs (not pharmaceutical drugs). He went through this 18-day program at this place where my dh used to work... it's not a program directed at drug "rehab" or dealing with getting off of a medical drug. It's a health center and it does a gentle but relatively quick detox for the body. Each person who's there has one-on-one with a doctor that has been chosen for them during their stay, so there is careful monitoring of how things are going. Anyway, gently detoxifying the whole body with a doctor (and lots of other helpful things they do) helped our friend immensely as he was going through withdrawal and changing his life patterns. The place is called NEWSTART (it's run by a Christian group and is all natural). You can check them here, or even call and see if they think they could do anything to help. I hope you find something!

http://www.newstart.com/

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2007, 02:03:42 PM » by strivn4virtue

thanks for your input, ladies. can someone tell me how to bump this back to the main page?

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2007, 02:43:51 PM » by mama2hnd

Quote from: strivn4virtue on March 15, 2007, 02:03:42 PM

thanks for your input, ladies. can someone tell me how to bump this back to the main page?

Like this.....bump! Welcome to the forum!

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2007, 04:10:50 PM » by Beth

you could try www.healthrecovery.com they work with alcoholism as well as drug addiction. They would have many different supplements that would offer relief from withdrawl symptoms. Just remember that sometimes they MUST be hospitalized to go through this. Check with your dr. all drugs are different. I hope this helps. I believe amino acids are important in withdrawl.As well as calcium mag and evening primrose oil. You could probably find the book Seven Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Matthews Larson used on amazon . Although it is written for alcoholics they also use the same info for drug addiction.

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2007, 04:39:05 PM » by herbalmom

Just ran across these 2 formulas & remembered this thread. They are recommended for opiate withdrawal.

Herbs Etc. Adrenotonic

Herbs Etc. Nervine Tonic

I use Herbs Ect.'s products quite a bit & have been happy with them.

How is your brother-in-law doing?

HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2007, 11:39:29 AM » by strivn4virtue

Thanks very much for your help and concern! My BIL is doing ok but not great. He's going at it "cold-turkey" so far and it has certainly zapped his energy level and caused his body to be achy. He's pushing on, though, and working as much as he can. Those tonics sound like basically what I've been looking for bc he will not go to a clinic or program. I'm going to suggest them to him and see what he thinks about ordering them and they really are not very expensive---another plus! Thanks again!

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #10 on: April 06, 2007, 03:38:09 PM » by herbalmom

A lot of health food stores carry Herbs Etc products so he may be able to get them locally & not have to order them. Maybe you can find them & give them to him so he has no excuse not to try them, just a thought. Just so you know, if your calling around to health food stores to find the formulas make sure that if they say they carry Herbs Etc products, that you check that they carry those specific ones. In my area, several stores carry Herbs Etc, but for some of the formulas I use only 1 store carries those particular formulas.

He should take regular doses & if he needs to take the edge off because he's having a bad moment have him take the Nervine Tonic tincture (under the tounge is best & undiluted if possible) & HOLD IT IN THE MOUTH for a few mins before swallowing. Tastes Tongue

but it is absorbed through the mouth straight into the bloodstream that way so it will take the edge off MUCH faster.

I was just looking at the link for Adrenotonic & in that write up it doesn't say anything about drug withdrawal. Don't let that make you think that it won't help. The herbs in Adrenotonic give strength, energy, balance the blood sugar, & nourish & rebuild the adrenal glands which get worn out when someone has been through everything your BIL has. Your adrenal glands help you cope with stress & if they are worn out you don't cope well.

Another Herbs Etc. formula that should help is Deep Sleep. Here's a link for it:

Herbs Etc Deep Sleep

If he's not driving or working with heavy machinery he may be able to use the Deep Sleep along with the Nervine Tonic as I described above when he needs to take the edge off.

As far as his leg itself, it may not be fully healed. There may be something to help with that on this thread:

Broken Bones: Natural Healing and Pain Relief

PLEASE post this on the prayer request thread as well & keep bumping it. We have some mighty prayer warriors on WTM & will pray for him. The prayer request thread is here:

Prayer Requests

HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2007, 10:49:30 PM » by herbalmom

Bump- anybody else have ideas?

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #12 on: April 07, 2007, 02:34:57 PM » by herbalmom

Quote from: herbalmom on April 06, 2007, 10:49:30 PM

Bump- anybody else have ideas?

Bumping again

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2007, 09:41:08 AM » by healthybratt

Coming off a drug like this may cause all sorts of upsets. Anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, moodiness, appetite changes, etc.

It's also an analgesic that can contribute to candida overgrowth and leaky gut. This type of drug always clogs up the liver which is part of the cause of all of the above symptoms or at the very least will slow down the recovery and possibly cause other problems in the end.

Knowing all of this, if it were me, this is what I would do for myself with these symptoms.

First I would get on a good multivitimin like SuperDad because it contains many ingredients to help heal from the symptoms and it also contains blood and liver purifiers to help clean the liver and speed up recovery.

Second, I would consider a good healthy supplement of Cod Liver Oil. It's antiinflammotory and should help to speed healing of the leg as well as help the body to absorb and assimilate many of the vitamins that the body needs.

Then, if after a few weeks, the symptoms persist or more symptoms appear, I would consider treating for candida overgrowth or leaky gut as his time, budget and willingness allow.

Quote

Symptoms of Candida and/or Leaky Gut Syndrome may include:

abdominal pain
muscle or joint pain
accelerated aging
eye disorders
chronic fatigue syndrome
neurological disorders including: autism, ADHD, depression, OCD, other behavioral disorders, mood swings, confusion, poor concentration, fogginess, poor memory, migraines, anxiety, nervousness, aggressive behavior
Related Link: Depression, Anxiety and Other Neurological Disorders
endocrine disorders including: urinary tract infections, incontinence, and bedwetting
digestive disorders including: food intolerances, obesity, constipation, bloating, gas, malnutrition, and irritable bowel syndrome
skin disorders (usually a result of food intolerances) such as acne, rosacea, hives, dermatitis (atopic eczema), and psoriasis
female disorders including PMS, recurring vaginal infections, uterine fibroid, breast fibroid, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis
autoimmune disorders including: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud's disease (numbness in toes and fingers), lupus, fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer, pediactric immune deficiencies, HIV positive, Reiter's syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, endotoxaemia, alopecia areata, vitiligo, Addison's disease, Celiac disease and vasculitis.

Then finally, I would make sure he is getting tons of water and loads of rest and a healthy diet.

There may be herbal supplements to help with withdrawal symptoms but be leary of substitutions. It's never good to replace one addiction for another, so be sure that whatever he chooses is not considered addictive. Catnip is good for anxiety. Peppermint is good to tummy and body aches and to flavor other teas. Ginseng is good for fatigue when taken daily. There are several others. Choose these according to his symptoms and needs.

Finally, prayer and positive support from family and friends is always important when fighting addictions.

Just my

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2007, 09:31:28 AM » by healthybratt

Many of you already know that I've been having some troubles and have been taking prescribed medications. I don't recommend them unless you have no other choice, but none-the-less, I've been taking them for quite some time.

The good news is that currently, my physical therapy is progressing enough that I don't need the pain killers any more. The bad news, is due to the duration I was on them, I'm suffering some very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

I did some research this morning on herbs to help alleviate these symptoms until I'm back to normal. The interesting thing about it, is that most of the treatments are things that I normally do anyway. I've been a little lax lately with my supplements, but according to the article below, all I need to do is get regular with the supplements I already take to get healthy once again.

I wanted to share this information with anyone who might otherwise be afraid to post and need the information.

Addictions - Healing with herbs, vitamins & minerals

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #15 on: May 27, 2007, 10:07:56 AM » by Mrs. Visionary

HB,
I admire your bravery. Keep up the good work!
I pray that God will bless your efforts and guide you with his wisdom.
H

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #16 on: May 27, 2007, 10:40:47 AM » by healthybratt

Just an added note. Although, I have the Lord, and the insight to not allow myself to become psychologically addicted to these drugs, I am in the text book sense, physiologically addicted. The symptoms from the withdrawal would suggest so.

I have a very good understanding of what it must be like for a long term addict to recover. If you are such a person or know of someone who is, be sure to offer whatever support, prayer and wisdom you can offer to ease their suffering on the way to recovery.

It's very easy to point fingers and judge when in reality we may not know what this person is going through. I'm not looking for any kudos. I knew what I was getting into before I started and I knew when it was time to quit. I have to deal with the symptoms and wanted to share my findings.

I'm just glad I didn't listen to the other docs and start taking the other half dozen meds they wanted me to take. I decided one was enough and I'd manage until they found a better treatment. Praise the Lord after many trips to docs and specialists, the "lowly" physical therapist was the one who actually had the answer...but that is another story.

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #17 on: May 27, 2007, 01:21:35 PM » by herbalmom

HB, the info on this thread might help:

~~Re: Need help: Detox for narcotic addiction~~ (merged)

Glad to hear that your neck is improving. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

« Last Edit: May 27, 2007, 02:46:43 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #18 on: May 27, 2007, 02:42:57 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: herbalmom on May 27, 2007, 01:21:35 PM

HB, the info on this thread might help:

~~Re: Need help: Detox for narcotic addiction~~ (merged)

Glad to hear that your neck is improving. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

Ha ha ha ha. You got me. I forgot all about that thread. Grin

(I merged them. Roll Eyes

)

« Last Edit: May 27, 2007, 02:47:15 PM by healthybratt »
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My favorite herb book!!

Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #19 on: May 27, 2007, 03:02:11 PM » by herbalmom

Quote from: healthybratt on May 27, 2007, 02:42:57 PM

Quote from: herbalmom on May 27, 2007, 01:21:35 PM

HB, the info on this thread might help:

~~Re: Need help: Detox for narcotic addiction~~ (merged)

Glad to hear that your neck is improving. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

Ha ha ha ha. You got me. I forgot all about that thread. Grin

(I merged them. Roll Eyes

)

I thought you might. Wink

Don't forget HB, always do a search before posting a new topic. Wink

I have to tease you once in a while Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Easing the Effects of Narcotic [Drug] Addiction: Detox & Withdrawal
« Reply #20 on: May 27, 2007, 04:42:38 PM » by SC

This isn't in response to any of the postings on this thread, but it may be helpful information for someone.

Addictions to alcohol and/or other pharmaceutical/recreational drugs, the 'buz' that you feel -- the impaired judgment -- is actually a type of oxygen deprivation that the brain is feeling. The blood can only carry so much 'stuff' and in the case of alcohol, the alcohol displaces the oxygen. So, brain cells are being starved when you get that woozy feeling.

Long term drug use can stunt emotional development. For example, a child that became addicted at 13 and didn't stop drug use until age 23 may have continued to function academically (at a less than optimum level), but when the drugs finally cleared the system, the individual is still left to complete the emotional stages necessary to become an adult. In simpler terms, the 23 year old is an emotional 13 year old. He/she will respond emotionally as a 13 year old.

The good news is that time can correct this. The bad news is that many people 'wake up' to discover that their friends have all matured and moved on while the individual is still struggling with the emotions that led to the drug use in the first place AND with the results of those poor choices. Imagine dealing with the impulse to throw an adolescent fit when everyone around you sees you as an adult. Added to this is the expectation that now that the person is off drugs, the problems are solved. In truth the struggle is just beginning. So, the temptation to fall back into substance abuse is now increased. It's sort of like waking up in the middle of a very bad dream.

If you know someone who has managed to live a victorious life with this in their background, give them a really, REALLY big hug. They could use the encouragement.

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