Those in addiction treatment know a thing or two about grappling with fluctuating energy levels as their bodies begin to adapt to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as well as a newly opioid-free life. The changes occurring in the body require energy for healing, sometimes leaving patients in a state of “recovery fatigue,” making their road to recovery a bit more challenging.
Addressing Emotional Needs
Patients experiencing the world again for the first time in a long while since entering treatment will have many overwhelming emotions. Previously, the substances they misused helped mask both positive and negative sensations, thoughts, and everyday feelings. Seeking guidance from a counselor or advanced specialist to work through emotional exhaustion is essential to preventing relapse and making progress.
Easing Physical Exhaustion
Someone who has misused substances for an extended period, or even for a short time but intensively, will go through a drastic change physically once the toxins begin to leave their system. Patients in MAT can also experience Suboxone fatigue, which is a side effect of the medication causing drowsiness. Patients are urged to get plenty of rest and quality sleep if they are feeling the aches and pains in their body as their treatment takes its course. Overriding the body’s signals that it needs to be at rest can cause further emotional and mental fatigue.
Balancing Adrenal Levels
Much has been written about adrenal fatigue, and it is easy to understand how substance misuse can throw the body’s natural energy balance out of whack quickly. Patients working in treatment to get their bodies back to a healthy level will need to focus on combating stress as much as possible to regain control over their body’s fight-or-flight response. After working to revitalize the immune system, adrenal glands can return to normal over time.
Improving Nutrition
With the body in treatment slowly refocusing attention on health instead of substance use, proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining energy levels in patients. Balanced blood sugar, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements that can undo the damage from drugs can minimize fatigue. Once the body is being fueled healthfully, those in treatment can work toward different aspects of their physical health, like incorporating exercise and light activity to boost energy and increase health benefits.
Fatigue is a normal and expected part of the treatment and recovery process for those overcoming opioid use disorder. While experiencing chronic tiredness can be frustrating, patients can look forward to regaining their mental, emotional, and physical strength with medication-assisted treatment and substance use counseling, among many other steps they can take to improve their health and energy levels.
Seek Treatment at MedMark Treatment Centers Today
MedMark Treatment Centers has locations across the country that provide multidimensional support for substance use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment and substance use counseling. Contact us to learn more about how we are working to help those in need of addiction recovery services in our communities.
