According to most drug rehab programs in America, at least 25% of people between the age of 18-30 years’ experience insomnia as a common occurrence every year. A most constant connection is the top levels of stress in society, leading to addiction and drug and substance use. In fact, addiction and insomnia go hand in hand as a lack of sleep leads to physical and emotional strain leading to self-medication with alcohol and drugs.
What is insomnia?
This is a disorder caused by the poor quality of sleep, staying up for long hours without sleep, finding it hard to return to sleep after waking up at night and waking up too early in the morning for lack of sleep or complete lack of sleep. Study shows that at least 60 million people experience insomnia in America every year.
Addictions that contribute to insomnia
When using substances, you are at least five times more likely to experience insomnia. Insomnia is one of the most common withdrawal symptoms to persons recovering from drug abuse. These substances include;
● Alcohol – This is a typical perpetrator in causing sleep deprivation. This is because most people use alcohol as a sedative to induce sleep. However, continuous use of alcohol in such a manner is more detrimental to your sleeping cycle than helpful. Alcohol increases insomnia leading to a dangerous vicious cycle. Alcohol is a major factor to REM cycle of sleep disruption.
● Illicit drug abuse- Insomnia is also a common withdrawal symptom for persons using chronic drug substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. These are extreme stimulants. Persons in recovery from drug and substance use often complain of sleep deprivation as a withdrawal symptom. Some last for even months.
● Sleeping pills- To relieve insomnia, most people result in prescribed sleeping pills. What you do not know is that these pills are addictive. It’s a fact that most dependents of these pills end up being enslaved by them. In such a case, the user experiences difficulty in trying to sleep as a withdrawal symptom.
Insomnia and addiction treatment
Wonderful news is drug and substance use is treatable. Yes, insomnia does not have to have an ultimate say while in your recovery journey. However, to achieve this, you must first understand the effects of the substances you use in your body before trying a recovery journey and address them accordingly. While in your healing process, engage your counselor or doctor about your insomnia struggles. That way, they will engage themselves in helping you fight the problem together. Here are some holistic tips to help you cope with insomnia while getting clean.
Stimulants – When recovering from drug and substance use, any stimulants like caffeine should be a no-go zone. There are better alternatives that will boost your body into a good sleeping pattern. Warm caffeine-free tea is an example. A balanced diet with supplements such as Melatonin helps a lot in getting your sleep back.
Engage in regular exercise.- Practices such as yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques such as massage therapy and swimming will reduce your sleeping issues. Regular activities such as running, engaging in common hobbies is a bonus. Make it a routine and avoid idleness
.
Conducive environment – Look at your space. Does it spell out relaxed? In the case it doesn’t, make some changes. Ensure you are in a quiet, unlit room with the right temperatures. Blinds or heavy curtains help in making the room darker. This makes the room more conducive for sleep to come by.
Screen time- Avoid all your electronic gadgets such as phones, TV and laptops. Regular use of social media is as addictive as the drugs themselves. Let your brain recognize your bedroom space as a place for relaxation; hence sleep will come easy.
Unwind- Before getting to bed, take a warm bath and engage in a relaxing exercise. If you have books, read them. This will definitely get your body into the right mood for sleep.
Recovery from insomnia and drugs abuse
Withdrawal symptoms, because of insomnia, can easily lead to a relapse. While on your way to recovery from addiction, never allow yourself to submit it to insomnia. Fight your way to good sleeping moments for better days. Also, we are here to help you fight the urge to relapse and ensure you remain sober. Contact us by completing our contact form. You can also call us now at 833-846-5669, as our counselors are always ready for you.