Herbs to Help With Opiate Withdrawals

Withdrawal from opiate substances---whether illicit drugs like heroin or prescription medications like Vicodin---can be a painful physical and mental ordeal. The severity and length of withdrawal symptoms vary according to the type of opiate that caused your dependence, the length of time you used it and the severity of your addiction. Suboxone and other prescription drugs used to treat opiate withdrawal can themselves have unpleasant side effects, causing some people to turn to natural herbal remedies to kick their opiate addiction.

Important Information

• Once you've decided to stop excessive or long-term usage of opiate substances, notify your physician to discuss this decision. Consider contacting your local Narcotics Anonymous chapter or go to NA.org to find help and support.

  There is little or no scientific evidence to support claims that herbs help with withdrawal symptoms but there have been some studies that assert that herbs can be used in conjunction with other medically approved therapies.

  Many people overlook the adverse reactions that certain herbs can have just because they are "natural." But many herbs can interact negatively with certain medications and there are other factors to consider. Before taking any herbal supplements---particularly for something as serious as opiate addiction---always do research starting with the National Institutes of Health (nlm.nih.gov) to learn about drug interactions, precautions and the side effects of herbal remedies.

Passionflower

• Passionflower has been used to treat agitation, anxiety and insomnia, all symptoms of opiate withdrawal. A study conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences found that passionflower, used in tandem with clonidine (commonly prescribed for opiate-withdrawal symptoms), was effective in alleviating many of the mental symptoms that clonidine alone did not relieve. If you think that passionflower can assist you with your withdrawal symptoms, consult your doctor to see if it is safe for you to use.

  Depending on your preference and what can be tolerated during withdrawal, start with 1/2 tsp. of passionflower tincture, taken three times a day. You may find that sipping the tea is also helpful, although you may want to make it beforehand, as attempting to make the tea during opiate withdrawal may be rough. Steep 1 tsp. of the dried herb in boiling water for 10 minutes, then cool and strain the mixture. Drink the tea three to four times per day, as needed.

Capsaicin

• Capsaicin is the component that makes jalapenos and other chili peppers hot. When used as a topical analgesic, it can provide some relief from the muscle aches and spasms associated with the physical withdrawal of opiates. Before starting your withdrawal period, purchase capsaicin creams, which are sold in most drug stores. You may want to invest in both the mild and medium strengths to see whether you can tolerate the burning sensation. Never use the cream on broken or sensitive skin.

Ginger

• Ginger have long been proved beneficial in relieving nausea. Ginger teas are widely sold in many refreshing flavors in stores. Again, you may not feel like going through the homemade process while feeling ill. Make it ahead of time if you wish; boil a 2-inch-thick piece of peeled ginger root in 4 cups of water. After you add the root to the water, cover and heat on low for 15 minutes, then strain the tea.