Coping with withdrawals

Each time you reduce during a slow detox, or throughout a quick one, there are things that you might be able to do to help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

If you can, plan to:

• take it easy for a few days;
• expect to sleep badly (at the end of a detox poor sleep can be a problem for months);
• take time off work - your doctor may give you a sick note or you may want to take some holiday;
• stay somewhere warm with supportive people around you;
• keep things as stress-free as you can;
• get in a stock of food and alcohol-free drinks; and
• take long hot baths.

Alcohol and cannabis will probably not help reduce the withdrawal symptoms.