Comfort Meds for Opioid Withdrawal: Easing the Journey to Recovery
When it comes to opioids, it is a whole different story. Not only is there a psychological withdrawal that by itself would make quitting tough, but there is also the physical withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal is terrible.
Opioid withdrawal is a tough battle, hitting both mind and body hard. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) often gets the spotlight, but it's not the only path to recovery. Enter comfort medications. In this episode, Dr. Mark Leeds breaks down what these meds are, how they work, and why they might be a game-changer for some. He covers Clonidine and Lofexidine, which help by reducing sympathetic tone, and Gabapentin, a drug with some benefits but also concerns about its potential for abuse.
Dr. Leeds emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor to find the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you're leaning towards MAT or considering Narcotics Anonymous, comfort meds can make the withdrawal process a bit more bearable. Tune in to get informed and take that crucial step towards recovery.