The Truth About Healing Faster in Withdrawal

If you're in withdrawal right now, I'm so sorry. I know it feels like a nightmare. I remember desperately wishing it would end. I wanted my life back. I had just finished grad school, had kids, plans, momentum... and then everything collapsed. The timing couldn’t have been worse.

If you're there right now, crying on the floor, barely coping—please stay with me. I want to walk with you through this and talk about what actually helps you heal faster.

This Isn't Like Anything Else

Withdrawal isn’t like a cold or even a typical mental health struggle. The anguish is beyond what most people imagine. And it's especially awful because you didn't expect it. You didn’t plan this. That kind of suffering can feel crushing.

But healing is coming. And it's real.

Can You Speed It Up?

Yes and no. There’s no magic button. But there are things that, for many people, may support and gently accelerate your body’s healing.

Here’s what helped me:

1. Nutrition

Early on, I had to cut out sugar and caffeine. They completely wrecked my nervous system, sending me into unbearable anxiety and looping thoughts. A brownie once left me in agony all night. Eventually, I reintroduced these things. But I had to be cautious and listen to my body.

Focus on protein, vegetables, and steady meals. It's not about perfection, it's about support.

2. Exercise

Forget the gym for now. Healing isn’t a performance. Sometimes my “exercise” was just walking around the house. Eventually, I worked up to walking outside. Then jogging. Now I go on daily runs with my dog. Movement matters. But go slow.

3. Mindset

One of the hardest things? The unknown timeline. You don't know when you’ll feel better. That used to torment me. But I started to shift the question from how long to what helps.

Ask yourself: What helps today? What calms me down, even a little?
If it brings you from a 10 to an 8, that matters. That counts.

4. Regulation

Withdrawal sends your nervous system into chaos. Your job now is to send it repeated messages of safety.

That might be:

• Gentle walks in nature
• Talking with a supportive friend
• Soothing music
• Warm baths
• Saying “no” to stressful obligations

Healing is cumulative. These choices add up.

Don't Compare Timelines

If someone healed in 6 months and you’re at 14, don’t despair. There are people who took longer and still got their life back.

You will get your life back too.

You're Still You

I used to wonder if I’d ever feel like myself again. The person I was seemed to have vanished. But she came back. She changed, yes... but in some ways, she came back stronger, more aware, more grounded.

And you’ll find yourself again too.

If this resonated, I’d love to walk with you further. You can join my email list below to learn about ways we can connect.

💜 Joanna