Tips for Coping With Withdrawal Nausea and Vomiting

Tips for Coping With Withdrawal Nausea and Vomiting Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Print Nausea and Vomiting From Drug Withdrawal When to Seek Medical Help and Other Symptoms By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 20, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on November 20, 2019 Tom Merton/OJO Images/Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Methods and Support Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Unless you go through a very gradual tapering process, usually under medical supervision, withdrawal symptoms are a normal and expected part of coming off alcohol and drugs. Two common withdrawal symptoms are nausea (a feeling of sickness in the stomach) and vomiting. Withdrawal nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms that occur among people who have been addicted to some drugs, particularly alcohol and opiates, or even after a period of intense substance use. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. How to Cope The following strategies can help control withdrawal nausea and vomiting: Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subcarbonate) may help ease withdrawal nausea and vomiting.Acupuncture can help relieve withdrawal nausea and vomiting symptoms.?? If you cant get an acupuncturist to visit, you can stimulate the point associated with relieving nausea by pressing or gently massaging the area on your wrist about two inches down from the crease at the base of your hand, just between the tendons. This point is called pericardium 6, or P6 for short.One of the main risks with vomiting is dehydration, so get plenty of water or other clear drinks.Fluid loss is not the only problem with dehydration; you also risk the loss of electrolytes, particularly if you also have diarrhea. Drinking rehydration fluid, which is available from drug stores, can help you avoid this. You can also add one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of salt to two liters of water to make up your own inexpensive rehydration fluid.You may prefer to avoid food intake until the initial acute withdrawal phase has passed , although for some drugs, such as opiates, this may last several days to a week. When you feel able to eat, choose bland foods, such as white toast, white rice, and bananas, and avoid spicy foods. When to Seek Medical Help Remember, although nausea and vomiting are a normal part of withdrawal, if nausea or vomiting symptoms continue, they could indicate another underlying condition such as  pregnancy, food poisoning, migraine headaches or peptic ulcer. See your family doctor if withdrawal nausea and vomiting symptoms have not ended a week after discontinuing drug or alcohol use to rule out or treat these other possible causes. The wear and tear caused by repeated vomiting may result in vomiting blood. However, blood in your vomit could indicate a very serious medical condition. Therefore, if you see any blood in your vomit at any time, you should seek medical attention immediately. Other Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Alcohol withdrawal can also cause other symptoms, including: DepressionAnxietyNightmaresMood swingsFatigueJitterinessClouded thinkingIrritabilityHeadacheIncreased heart rateClammy skinSleeping problemsTremorAppetite lossPalenessSweating As with nausea and vomiting, if these symptoms dont go away after you have stopped using alcohol or drugs for a week or so, they could indicate another medical condition, and you should see a doctor. Ongoing feelings of depression or anxiety, or severe, uncontrollable mood swings may indicate that you have another mental disorder which may require treatment. Delirium Tremens: A Severe Form of Alcohol Withdrawal Particularly if alcohol use has been severe and prolonged, a more severe, and potentially deadly, form of alcohol withdrawal can occur called delirium tremens.?? Symptoms usually start 48-96 hours after your last drink and may include: FearConfusionAgitationProblems focusingMood swingsHallucinationsDeliriumFeverChanges in blood pressureRapid heart rate If you or someone you love has any of these symptoms after stopping alcohol use, this can be a sign of a medical emergency, so you should seek treatment immediately.