One of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal is a severe headache. If you are an opiate addict and in withdrawal, you might be wondering what types of headache you get, what causes them, what you can do, and what a treatment center can do for you.
What Types of Headaches Are Associated with Opiate Withdrawal and What Causes Them?
There are several types of headache associated with opiate withdrawal. It is important to know the types of headache and their causes because the treatment for each may be slightly different. According to the National Library of Medicine, the types of opiate withdrawal headache and their causes are:
- Tension: stress, anxiety, and the emotional symptoms of withdrawal
- Migraine: depression, stress, and lack of dopamine production
- Dehydration: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- High blood pressure: elevated blood pressure and anxiety
Different types of treatment work for each of these headaches. Knowing what caused the headache can help you treat it. All of these can be diagnosed and remedied at a treatment center. For more information, call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?).
What Can You Do About Headaches Caused by Opiate Withdrawal?
There are a few things that you can personally do about withdrawal related headaches.
Consider the following options:

Aromatherapy can relieve headaches.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen
- Aromatherapy
- Self-massage
- An Epsom salt bath
- Meditation
- An application of witch hazel or lavender on your temples
Consider the following actions:
- Hydrating yourself
- Stretching to relieve tension
- Trying to sleep
- Pressing between your thumb and forefinger
- Watching a movie or television as a distraction
- Using a warm or cold compress on your neck
- Talking with a friend or relative
These are all ways to stop a headache without using prescription medication. When your headache is severe and accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms, you might want to consider going to a treatment center, especially if you are considering taking an opiate for it.
What a Treatment Center Can Do for Opiate Headaches
Treatment centers are well equipped to deal with opiate withdrawal and opiate related headaches. Treatment centers can give you medications that will stop all of your withdrawal symptoms.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, treatment centers offer the following medications:
- Methadone: an opiate agonist that treats withdrawal
- Suboxone: a two-part medication that consists of buprenorphine and naloxone
- Buprenorphine: a partial opiate agonist that treats withdrawal
- Subutex: a partial opiate agonist that treats withdrawal
- Clonidine: a medication that reduces blood pressure and many of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal
All of these medications block withdrawal symptoms so they will not only treat your headache, they will treat all of your symptoms.
You can find a treatment center for you opiate withdrawal and withdrawal related headaches by simply calling 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?). We can help.
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