Getting Off Meds

Getting Off Meds

by Kimberly Denise

I think the most important thing about detoxing is doing it very, very slowly. Don't rely on the doctors to provide a "weaning" schedule for the meds. I took about six months to get off my last two meds, and even then, I suffered very difficult withdrawal symptoms.

Another important thing to remember is to attribute EVERYTHING that is felt to the withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms mimic the symptoms of the illness, so the "patient" tends to think he is crazy. Remind him (and yourself) over and over again that he isn't crazy, he's in withdrawal.

Nutrition is also vitally important. DON'T eat sugar or processed foods; focus on lean meats and lots of vegetables. This will keep the blood sugar stable, which helps keep the emotions stable. A high-quality multi-vitamin will also really help, as will a multi-mineral. (Take the vitamins in the morning, the minerals at night.) Minerals have a calming effect.

There are several things which can be helpful for the extreme anxiety caused by the withdrawal. A magnesium supplement can be taken as needed; this is very calming. Kava Kava and valerian root extract (get the valerian tincture, not the caps) are herbs that have a calming effect. The homeopathic remedy aconite is very good for anxiety.

One of the keys to my recovery was fish oil. I took ten grams (yes, grams: ten of the 1,000mg caps) each day for the first couple of months, and continue to take 5g daily. Buy fish oil with Vitimin E and garlic added (keeps it stable), and make sure there is no soybean oil in the product. Keep it in the refrigerator. There are many studies out there indicating that fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) is extremely helpful with "mental illness", ADHD, etc.

You will find a lot of helpful information on this website: http://www.drugawareness.org/home.html

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