Learn ways to combat opioid induced constipation, a common but frustrating side effect.
So, you have made the life-saving decision to seek help for opioid use disorder and start medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Congratulations on this brave and monumental step towards improving yourself and the lives of those who love you. Opioid addiction recovery is a long, transformative journey that will teach you important lessons along the way. As you begin opioid treatment, your body and mind will undergo significant changes. Life is much better these days as you progress towards a future you never imagined. However, there is one issue that has been lingering since you started treatment: constipation.
While you focus on your mental and physical health, it is impossible to ignore the discomfort of chronic constipation. It can bring you down when you should really be feeling your best. Rest assured, we have created a list of remedies focused on effective opioid induced constipation treatment for people in MAT.
Why are Constipation Remedies for People in MAT Important?
There are many unpleasant opiate side effects, but constipation is one of the most daunting. It slows down the digestive system’s natural flow, called peristalsis. This makes it more difficult to have regular bowel movements and proper digestive health.
You probably did not notice your constipation much before you reached out for opioid recovery support. Your other lifestyle choices, including poor diet or excessive drinking, may have kept your intestines moving. Now that you are making better choices, you are probably desperate for some constipation relief to feel your best.
There are so many over-the-counter methods for relieving constipation, but buyers beware! Not all methods are created equal. Some can interact with certain medications, while others can have harmful rebound side effects. Please keep reading to learn more about our top constipation remedies for people in MAT.
Top 5 Opioid Induced Constipation Remedies for People in MAT
It is not a good idea to rely on laxatives to relieve constipation while undergoing buprenorphine or methadone treatment. Your body will become dependent on them, but preserving your body’s natural ability to eliminate without medication is essential. Here are some of our top tips for natural constipation relief:
- Drink plenty of water. It is vital to stay hydrated, especially while enrolled in MAT programs. You will hear healthy individuals discuss drinking a couple of water bottles each day, which is not too much. The general rule is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. The link between hydration and constipation exists due to the importance of water content in stools. The longer the stool remains in your intestines without being eliminated, the harder it will become. Fill up that bottle and start drinking.
- Eat nine helpings of fruits and vegetables per day. Do not be overwhelmed by the idea of boosting your produce intake. It is much easier to drink them blended than to eat them all whole. There are so many fruit and vegetable smoothies and juices on the market that you can find them nearly everywhere lately. Additionally, consider a banana or an apple as a mid-morning snack. Have a salad at lunchtime—use two cups of greens, which counts as two servings. You are almost halfway there!
- Take magnesium. Many forms of magnesium supplements are available over the counter, and all of them can help. In fact, magnesium for constipation is one of the oldest forms of relief. Magnesium can also alleviate restless legs as well, which is a common methadone side effect. Start with two 250 mg tablets at night. If you do not go, take three the next night. Consult with your provider before taking more than the recommended amount of the package.
- Try taking fiber supplements. If you stick to a high-fiber diet, you should stay regular. However, think about taking fiber supplements if you have difficulty getting all your recommended servings in. There are pills, but also tasty fiber snacks, too. Try bars with at least 5 mg of fiber; if they produce too much gas and bloating, cut back to 3 mg until you can tolerate it.
- Consider taking stool softeners. Although we do not recommend relying on laxatives, sometimes you are desperate for relief. In these situations, try reaching for natural, over-the-counter stool softeners first. Please consult with your medical provider about taking suppositories or other forms of constipation relief, as they could cause complications.
If you decide to try a laxative to relieve constipation during methadone treatment, choose your brand carefully. There are four types of laxatives: some irritate the lining of the intestines, causing you to go to the bathroom quickly and painfully. Others introduce water to the intestines, providing a more natural and gentle experience.
When to Talk to Your Provider About Constipation
If all else fails, ask your medical provider for a prescription to relieve constipation. This is especially important if you are dealing with pregnancy and constipation. Taking stimulant laxatives during pregnancy can be dangerous and harm women’s health and digestion.
Do not hesitate to speak with your provider about healthy digestion tips during your appointments. Although it may feel embarrassing, constipation is part of medication side effects management. Your gut health during recovery is just as important as the rest of your body.
Addiction Recovery with the Help of MedMark Treatment Centers
MedMark Treatment Centers offers medication-assisted treatment for those with substance use disorder. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff have helped thousands of people begin their recovery journey each year. MedMark’s specialized medical providers can help you improve your overall health and guide you through medication-assisted treatment including the challenges of opioid induced constipation.
Contact us today to learn how you can make a change for the better by getting your addiction under control. We are ready to answer any questions you may have about our many life-saving services.
