How to Stop Nausea During Drug Withdrawal

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Dealing with nausea during withdrawal can be exhausting, and sometimes (without the right professional help), even dangerous. And if you’re reading this while fighting the urge to vomit, you’re not alone.

Nausea is one of the most common symptoms people face as their bodies adjust to life without dependency on drugs and alcohol. In fact, it affects nearly everyone going through withdrawal or detox to some degree.

It could be that you’re trying to quit opioids or stimulants, or even trying to detox from a dependency on alcohol – that churning stomach and constant queasiness can make an already-difficult process even more unbearable.

The good news? There are safe, practical ways to find relief from nausea during drug withdrawal.

Why Do I Feel Nausea During Drug Withdrawal?

Our bodies love an equilibrium, and they’re always working to find a status quo.

So when individuals use drugs or alcohol regularly, their bodies adapt to the presence of the chemical or stimulant in their system.

This means that your body will adjust neurotransmitter release and digestive processes to try to manage the changes occurring in your body. Once you stop using a substance, your central nervous system goes into overdrive to rebalance once more.

This rebalancing is often the culprit behind your nausea. In essence, your brain’s chemistry changes trigger responses in your gut – this is what scientists call the “gut-brain axis.”

The same neurotransmitters that regulate mood and pain also control digestion. This is why your withdrawal affects both your mental state and your stomach simultaneously.

Of the many symptoms you may experience, nausea is particularly common during withdrawal from substances such as opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.

For instance, opioids cause your digestive system to speed up quickly after being slowed for so long. Alcohol withdrawal also sends your nervous system into hyperactivity, which can trigger nausea along with tremors and anxiety.

Each substance creates its own pattern of symptoms, but nausea remains a constant across most types of withdrawal.

How to Reduce Nausea During Withdrawal

Stay Hydrated Safely

Remember, hydration is one of the key elements of any successful recovery. Dehydration makes nausea worse, and in some cases, it can become dangerous if you’re vomiting.

To help, try to take small, frequent sips of water rather than large gulps. Many popular electrolyte drinks, or even coconut water, can replace minerals you may lose through sweating and vomiting.

What if you find that regular, plain water triggers nausea? It’s common, but not always a problem. You can try adding a slice of lemon or drinking it at room temperature instead of cold. Herbal teas are great as well!

Try Natural Remedies Such as Ginger & Peppermint

Another great option is to try natural remedies such as ginger and peppermint. These have legitimate anti-nausea properties that are supported by research.

Ginger speeds up your digestive motility and reduces inflammation. You can try ginger tea or small pieces of fresh ginger in hot water.

Peppermint is great for more than just the holidays! You can add a bit to the tea to help your stomach. Even smelling peppermint oil can calm stomach muscles and reduce nausea.

Try Breathing Techniques To Relax Your Stomach

You can also make use of breathing and relaxation techniques to slow down your churning stomach. Many breathing and relaxation techniques have been shown to help with the anxiety component of withdrawal nausea.

You may find that anxiety and nausea exist in a vicious cycle. Feeling sick makes you anxious, which makes you feel sicker.

You can practice small things such as deep belly breathing: inhale slowly through your nose for four counts, hold for four, then exhale through your mouth for six counts.

Progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and releasing muscle groups in a set order) can also help calm both your mind and stomach.

Get Some Rest

It may sound simple, but it works! The act of resting (and the position you have while resting) can help ease your nausea as well.

Lying flat can actually worsen feelings of nausea, so prop yourself up with pillows in a semi-upright position. If you must lie down, rest on your left side to aid digestion.

Seek Medical Support

There are a variety of medical options available to help reduce the impact of nausea, many of which a professional detox or withdrawal support team will use in the process.

Antihistamines can help, but note that they may interact with other medications or worsen certain withdrawal symptoms. For opioid withdrawal specifically, FDA-approved medications like lofexidine (Lucemyra) have been shown to reduce nausea and other symptoms.

Never self-medicate without consulting a healthcare provider! What helps one type of withdrawal might worsen another, so always seek medical help.

When to Seek Medical Help for Nausea

While the above steps can help, sometimes you’ll face symptoms that signal you need emergency medical care.

When going through withdrawal or detox, seek medical help immediately if you experience:

Persistent vomiting lasting over 24 hours
The inability to keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours
Signs of severe dehydration, such as dark urine, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or confusion
You notice blood in your vomit or experience severe abdominal pain
You have a high fever
You experience hallucinations or seizures

Don’t wait to get help. Any and all of these symptoms may be life-threatening and require professional intervention to protect yourself or those you love.

Why Professional Detox is Safer

When you are working toward recovery, don’t try to navigate the process alone. A medical detox program offers the help and support that can improve safety and comfort during a withdrawal.

Many professional facilities can provide IV fluids to keep you hydrated and offer anti-nausea medications like ondansetron (Zofran) safely under medical supervision.

Plus, trained medical teams are equipped to watch your vital signs continuously – and can catch potentially dangerous changes before they become emergencies. When necessary, a care team can adjust medications based on your symptoms and offer personalized care that home remedies simply can’t match.

Genesis House Is Here To Help

Withdrawal nausea is more than just uncomfortable. It can be a symptom that becomes emotionally draining and even derails your recovery before it truly begins.

Here at Genesis House, our medical detox programs are designed to help offer a personalized treatment process that combines comfort with safety.

Our experienced medical team provides round-the-clock monitoring and symptom management. We work alongside you to create a calm, supportive environment where you can focus on healing rather than just surviving withdrawal.

If nausea is making withdrawal unbearable, don’t go through it alone. Contact our medical detox team today to learn more about our withdrawal support options and how to take your next step toward recovery.

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