How to Treat Depression after Opiate Detox

Natural Treatments after Drug Abuse Recovery

Sep 20, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

The depression after opiate detox is unbearable for many recovering addicts. Several natural treatments are available to improve mood.

Opiate detox is one of the most difficult, physically demanding parts of drug abuse recovery. The drug addict is in physical pain for several days. Many drug addicts choose to do an out-patient or in-patient detox. However, these types of opiate withdrawal treatment options are very costly and aren’t always feasible for people who are on a budget. For patients who are unable to make the commitment to a detox center, there are options to detox from opiates at home. Once the opiate detox is over, the depression is one of the most prolonged periods of depression. Even though the depression from opiate withdrawals feels unbearable, there are some natural ways to treat depression without using drugs.

Treat Depression with Exercise

Exercise is probably the last thing an opiate addict wants to do after physical withdrawals are over. However, exercise is a natural treatment for depression. The act of moving around at least 30 minutes a day increases the level of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for mood. Higher levels of serotonin improves mood and helps the addict deal with the depression. As a matter of fact, this is the neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressant medications, so exercise is a healthier and natural treatment for depression without using drugs.

Diet is the Second Best Way to Treat Depression Naturally

As much as people hate to hear that their diet is poor, a natural way to treat depression is to simply improve the diet. Healthy foods and regular eating habits stimulate energy and improve mood in people who are going through depression from opiate withdrawal. This does not mean the addict needs to starve or control food intake with calorie counting. Instead, the diet should be balanced. Opiate detox usually lowers the patient’s appetite, so indulging in some good food may actually increase mood. Healthy eating also works in combination with exercise. With plenty of protein, vegetables and fruit in the diet, the patient is able to find the motivation and energy to exercise regularly and treat depression naturally.

Better Sleep Habits Helps Treat Depression

If the patient is sleep deprived, energy may be depleted and mood is lowered. The body needs plenty of sleep to recover from the day’s activity. Treating depression through a full night’s sleep helps the body replenish the hormones and energy that’s lost. Better sleep habits also help the patient focus and concentrate on studies or work.

Although it’s difficult to treat depression alone, if natural treatments for depression are not successful, opiate addicts in withdrawal should consider consulting a doctor. It’s difficult to resist the cravings, but determination and support from family and friends will keep the recovering addict clean.

References:

Teen Health and Fighting Depression

The copyright of the article How to Treat Depression after Opiate Detox in Abuse is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish How to Treat Depression after Opiate Detox in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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