CAUSES OF HEADACHES: DRUG ABUSE
Drug abuse (of the so-called ‘street’ dings such as heroin, bupenorphine, etc.) can cause headaches in two different ways. Firstly the excess use of the drug can cause headaches directly; secondly, and rather annoyingly, withdrawal from the drug can also cause headaches.
‘The chief problems with drug addiction are in the withdrawal phase, where cramps, shivering, sweating, headaches and a sense of general malaise are added to an intense craving for the drug that has beer* removed. The cause of a headache like this is pretty obvious – and the treatment is not to give yourself more of the drug to which you’re addicted, because prolong the agony. Eventually you will have to go through withdrawal and the longer you’ve taken the drug the worse your symptoms will be. Many of the addictive drugs can cause headaches during the withdrawal phase, but heroin and bupenorphine (Temgesic) are particularly notable examples. Most of the* orthodox medical treatments and Complementary therapies to treat addictions will be helpful.
complementary treatment
Herbal remedies which are helpful in withdrawal from drugs (particularly narcotics) are oats, rosemary, balm and skullcap (to calm and lift the depression). Constitutional homoeopathy can help with the withdrawal process, as well as dealing with the symptoms.
Detoxifying and anti-depressant aromatherapy oils, like those suggested for smoking and hangovers, see pages 235 and 236, can have some effect, and analgesic oils, like lavender, bergamot and camomile can be massaged into the temples, skull and neck. Hot baths with any of the suggested oils can be beneficial, and also reduce any associated stress.
Really, any therapy that works for you, that will get you through the difficult withdrawal period, can he undertaken. All of the following therapies offer some treatment, and may be suitable singly, or in combination: acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, reflexology, dance, music and art therapies, relaxation therapies, medical herbalism, clinical nutrition, naturopathy, Bach flower remedies, counselling, T’ai chi and kinesiology
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