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How can you care for yourself after using multiple drugs?
- Adopt healthy habits to ease withdrawal symptoms. When you use substances like alcohol and some drugs regularly, your body gets used to them. This is called physical dependence. If you are physically dependent on substances, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. These symptoms may include trembling, feeling restless, and sweating. To help get past these:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Stay active.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Drink fluids to soothe your throat. If you had a tube in your throat to help you breathe, you may have a sore throat or hoarseness that can last a few days.
- If you use opioids, ask your doctor or pharmacist about having a naloxone rescue kit on hand.
Get help to stop using drugs. You may need medical care to manage withdrawal symptoms when you first quit. Withdrawal can be dangerous without medical care. Ask your doctor about substance use treatment programs.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse symptoms of withdrawal, such as trembling, feeling restless, and sweating, that you can't manage at home.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
- You need help finding the right place to get help with drug or alcohol problems.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.