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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Tips For Recovering After An Abortion

by Valerie Stevens

Following an abortion, it is imperative that you take care of yourself emotionally and physically. Regardless of the reason for the procedure, it can take time to recover. To help you with your recovery, here are a few things to remember.

Find Emotional Support

After an abortion, you can experience a range of emotions, including relief and sadness. For some women, there is a sense of loss that is sometimes accompanied by depression. Even though the choice to end the pregnancy was your right to make, you might feel some guilt. The emotions you are experiencing are normal.

Some women try to cope with the sadness, depression, and guilt on their own. They often continue with their daily routine and never disclose that they underwent the procedure to anyone. Although this might seem like the best way to handle your emotions, you are robbing yourself the chance to grieve and receive comfort from others.

The emotions you are feeling are real and you have a right to grieve, vent, or express yourself in any way you deem fit. If you are concerned that family and friends will not understand your decision, join a support group. In a group, you can focus on your personal decision and not the legal and religious arguments surrounding abortion. You can work on recovering so that you can move forward in an emotionally healthy way.

Know the Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Side Effects

Since an abortion is a medical procedure, there is a potential for complications. It is uncommon to have any complications, but you still need to know the difference between what is considered normal and abnormal when it comes to side effects.

Following the procedure, it is normal to experience bleeding. The bleeding can last several weeks in some cases. Alternatively, you might not have any bleeding. If you experience heavy bleeding that soaks through a full-sized sanitary napkin in an hour though, you should decrease your activity levels and use a heating pad. If the bleeding continues for a few hours, seek medical assistance.

You might also experience cramping and have discharge. The cramping can be alleviated with an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen.  However, if the cramping worsens or continues after taking the medication, seek help. You should also seek treatment if you have a fever following the procedure or you still have signs of pregnancy.

Talk to your OB/GYN or a provider at a company like Womens Clinic of Tallahassee to learn more about recovering from the procedure. 

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