Coping With Drug Withdrawal Diarrhea and Stomach Pain

Coping With Drug Withdrawal Diarrhea and Stomach Pain Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Print Coping With Drug Withdrawal Diarrhea, Stomach Pain, and Vomiting Withdrawal Symptoms and Other Treatments 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 June 07, 2016 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 Updated on January 20, 2020 Michael Heim / EyeEm / Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Methods and Support Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Diarrhea isnt something many people feel comfortable talking about, but the distress caused by severe diarrhea can be a major factor impacting the decision to quit drugs for many drug users. Diarrhea and stomach pain from diarrhea can be withdrawal symptoms among people who have been addicted to some drugs, particularly opiates, or even after a period of intense substance use.?? Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Tips for Easing Diarrhea and Stomach Pain From Withdrawal The following strategies can help control  diarrhea, gastrointestinal spasms, stomach pain, and vomiting: One of the main risks with diarrhea is dehydration, so sip plenty of water.??Fluid loss is not the only problem with dehydration. You also risk the loss of electrolytes, particularly if you are also vomiting a lot.?? Drinking rehydration fluid, available from drug stores, can help avoid this.Yogurt with live/active cultures contains bacteria that, in some cases, can help reduce the severity and length of time diarrhea lasts.Avoid hot drinks, acidic fruits and spicy foods, which can induce spasms leading to diarrhea and related stomach pain.Bland foods, such as white toast, white rice, and bananas may help. If you are also suffering from withdrawal nausea and vomiting, you may prefer to avoid food intake until the initial acute withdrawal phase has passed.Over-the-counter medications, such as Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol (bismuth) or Imodium (loperamide) may help control diarrhea and slow down the bowel process.?? Causes When drugs or alcohol are used constantly, the brain has to adjust to changes in the functioning of neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain that affect the nervous system. When these substances are stopped, it forces the brain and body to have to change again, creating unpleasant physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting are often experienced by people going through withdrawal from opioids and other drugs. Although this can be a normal reaction by the body, the severity and discomfort you experience can be reduced by correct treatment. Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice on over-the-counter medications. However, it is important to be aware that there are other causes of diarrhea and to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. For example, a range of viral and bacterial infections can cause diarrhea, and may be a result of ingesting contaminated food, water, or drugs, or by some sexual activities.?? Diarrhea can also be a side effect of some drugs. Treating Dehydration Dehydration happens when your body loses too much fluid and electrolytes through urination, sweating, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. However, drinking only water, particularly in large quantities, can be harmful and can lead to water intoxication, which can be life-threatening.?? For this reason, if you have been suffering from severe diarrhea, you should drink rehydration fluid (available from drug stores) rather than plain water to replace lost fluids. Make your own rehydration fluid inexpensively by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt to 2 quarts (2 liters) of water. Fruit juice can also help replace lost electrolytes but can exacerbate diarrhea.?? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the right way to replace lost fluids. When to See the Doctor If your diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting are severe or last for a long time, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.?? Although they can be considered nuisance withdrawal symptoms by some drug users, they can be troubling enough to derail attempts at quitting, leading to an increased risk of overdose. They can be an indication of an underlying, treatable infection, and they can lead to life-threatening dehydration. In an emergency, you can go to an emergency room where an IV drip can be used to quickly replace fluids and electrolytes. Other Treatments for Withdrawal Symptoms Withdrawal from substances can be done at home or in a healthcare setting. Quitting substance use is often easier under medical supervision because medications can be used to make the transition easier and less uncomfortable. Different treatments are available for different substances. Opiates:  Treatment may include the use of  clonidine, which helps anxiety, sweating, irritability, muscle cramping and aching and runny nose, and/or buprenorphine or methadone, both of which can decrease the amount of time it takes to detoxify and also help withdrawal symptoms. Gabapentin can help with a number of symptoms, including diarrhea.?? Antispasmodics like Bentyl may also help ease gastrointestinal symptoms.Alcohol:  If alcohol withdrawal symptoms are moderate to severe, you may need to be in a supervised clinical setting.?? Whether you seek treatment as an inpatient or outpatient, you may be given sedatives to help make the transition to complete withdrawal in a medically safe way.  Barbiturates:  Because of the potential complications from stopping barbiturate use, withdrawal should always take place under medical supervision. You may be given  phenobarbital to help make the transition.Stimulants:  Treatment for stimulant withdrawal will likely involve psychotherapy but m ay also include antidepressants or other mood-affecting medications.