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Opiates are a dangerous substance, and when help is not received, using them can eventually be fatal. When you learn more about this type of substance from trusted healthcare professionals and other useful resources, their guidance and support can help you avoid the dangerous side effects. By learning how to keep your hands busy during opiate detox, the risks of danger decrease.
Opiate dependence studies have explored the cognitive functioning of individuals after a few weeks of abstinence from substances, comparing the results across metrics like age and gender. One study showed that there were general neurocognitive defects in individuals who have higher cognitive mindsets. The test measured functioning memory and fluid intelligence over the course of days of withdrawal.
Other tests explored the performance of observation skills, cortisol levels, and intelligence in the stages of early abstinence. The tests found that the use of opioids negatively affects working memory and fluid intelligence. Some studies found impulsive behavior during opioid dependence and abstinence can influence cognitive functioning. Therefore, treatment planning to improve memory performance can help improve the opioid withdrawal symptoms and further progress additional studies on long-term opioid abstinence.
There comes a time when individuals may consider continuing their life without finding help for their opiate dependence. This can be due to not getting the right type of treatment for opiate addiction or having an ineffective approach to recovery. Additionally, the individual may not have the right guidance and support to encourage themselves to get treatment, or maybe they've had a bad experience with the withdrawal symptoms. This is where things can go wrong.
Opiate addiction that is left generally untreated starts affecting the brain and the neurological receptors. The receptors in the brain normally promote healthy mind function from eating to sleeping and more. When those receptors are subjected to the toxins over time, the receptors begin to destabilize. Destabilization leads to mental, physical, and emotional distress. Those who leave the substance in their body are more prone to increase substance use and may be more at risk for fatal outcomes.
It’s vital for any individual who has an opiate dependency or addiction to re-stabilize their body as soon as possible. There are various stabilization methods and approaches to help an individual heal, and it may take some time. Once the brain and body establish normalcy, the body can find a path to healing. Without the proper methods of treatment or the right guidance, 90% of individuals who have an opioid addiction tend to relapse or have fatal outcomes. Treatment options, including holistic approaches, subacute detox, residential treatment, sober living, MAT, and more, are all part of making recovery a possible option.
Due to the levels of cognitive functioning deficits found in studies, the community came together to further progress the treatment levels on opiate detox. A challenge that many individuals face when struggling with opiate dependence is finding activities that are fulfilling to avoid idle hands.
Keeping your hands busy helps you replace bad habits with good hobbies and further fulfills your commitment to maintaining sobriety. Opiate detox can encourage constructive hand movement with hobbies like drawing, writing, painting, and more. These hobbies help alleviate anxiety and force your mind into a calm state.
In the early stages of recovery, especially during detox, many individuals feel anxious and don’t feel the need to interact with others. Their hands start fidgeting because of nerves as the body tries to force the toxins out. When you choose to look for new ideas to help keep your hands busy during opioid detox, you can find new and exciting activities to help you in a positive direction.
The different levels of activities can help restore your mind and body throughout opioid detox and your recovery journey. You can find activities, such as swimming, painting, or taking a walk in nature all as a part of physical and mental productivity.
Various activities and skills you can engage in during your recovery and long after to avoid idle hands include:
We know how difficult the struggle is when you're going through an opiate dependency. Our team wants you to keep your hands busy during the stages of recovery as it helps build the foundation of your long-term recovery success. NorthStar Transitions will help you empower yourself to navigate through real-life recovery with holistic healing and new cutting-edge treatment approaches. NorthStar Transitions’ compassionate team is here to give you the support and a guiding hand through treatment.
NorthStar Transitions knows that opiate use can lead to fatal and deadly circumstances when timely help isn't received. Our treatment center is designed to give you knowledge, experience, understanding, and treatment for your unique circumstances. With that in mind, we have a treatment facility to help you find the right resources and outlets to keep your hands busy throughout your recovery journey. Our team encourages different levels of fulfilling activities to keep your mind focused on your commitment. We offer supplemental holistic methods of healing, including breath work, essential oils, mindfulness, crystal therapy, music therapy, and more to help you through the stages of withdrawal. NorthStar Transitions is located in Boulder, Colorado, with a safe and secure environment to help you with your substance use and give you the ambition and motivation to maintain your commitment to staying sober. If you struggle with opiates or addiction, reach out to our team today at (303) 558-6400.
