7 Safe, Effective … And Non-addictive Ways To Control Pain In Recovery

Pain management in addiction recovery is complicated and requires strong collaboration between the patient and their doctor to reduce complications. Many men and women who suffer from substance addiction problems also suffer from pain, ranging from acute injury pain to chronic pain.  

Pain and Addiction Treatment Complications 

Whether taking illicit substances or alcohol, any addictive substance, including pain medications, can be dangerous. Opioids, highly addictive chemicals widely prescribed by doctors to relieve acute pain, are the most prevalent painkillers. Pain sufferers use them to function, but they should only use these drugs for a limited period. However, any use of opioids for pain is not ideal for someone who is addicted. 

According to opioid research conducted by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), in 2015, two million adults in the United States were addicted to prescription opioids. Often provided to patients after surgery or a severe accident, these medicines can be the catalyst for a substance use disorder (SUD). They can also bring on relapse for someone in recovery from addiction. 

An addiction specialist can better treat patients who suffer from pain, especially if the patient has a SUD or is in addiction recovery.  

Physicians seek to use non-opioid pain drugs and other strategies for recovering individuals struggling with substance use. While opioids may be helpful for short-term pain relief, they are not recommended for long-term use due to the high risk of addiction. For long-term pain, topical medicines — such as topical NSAIDs — can be utilized instead.  

If you are recovering from addiction and have chronic pain, you should look at the available alternatives to opioids. You shouldn't consider a narcotic medication until you have tried other options to treat your pain first. 

What Are Alternatives for Treating Chronic Pain? 

Along with non-opioid medications, there are a variety of alternative solutions available to assist you in managing your physical discomfort. Here are some suggestions if you are suffering from long-term pain issues.  

Anticonvulsants 

These medications are non-addictive and can be used to treat certain forms of pain. Pregabalin (Lyrica), for example, can be an effective nerve pain reliever. Gabapentin (Gralise) is also used to treat this sort of pain. 

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) 

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be an excellent place to start. These medications are commonly used to relieve physical discomforts such as headaches, arthritis, and osteoporosis. If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't reducing your pain, your doctor may prescribe a drug like celecoxib (Celebrex) or meloxicam (Mobic). 

Chiropractic Care 

Chiropractic care might be a wonderful place to start if you experience discomfort in your joints, back, or legs. In certain people, it can also aid with headaches and migraines. This sort of treatment aims to improve the communication routes of the central nervous system. It is possible to switch off the pain signals sent to your brain by adequately aligning your joints and spinal column. It's a painless treatment that a lot of individuals use regularly. 

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture, one of the oldest ways of treating pain, works by boosting blood flow to pressure points throughout the body. This is accomplished by inserting tiny, thin needles into specific bodily routes. It may help relieve pain by enhancing the immune system's function by increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to the location. It also aids in the promotion of chi, the body's natural energy. 

Massage Therapy 

Massage isn't merely for stress alleviation and relaxation. It's also a great way to get rid of pain. This type of therapy helps to decrease tension and inflammation by stimulating blood flow to the affected area. A massage therapist attempts to relieve pain in a specific region while also accelerating the body's ability to mend the tissues in that area. Massage therapy can also assist in relieving tension, which can help make pain seem worse. 

Yoga 

Yoga may be ideal if you have joint or muscular pain, as well as chronic pain that affects multiple parts of your body. It does not burden your joints or demand a high level of physical condition to begin, unlike other forms of exercise. However, it is effective in teaching you how to manage your breathing. Yoga can also aid in stretching muscles, tendons, and ligaments through its varied poses. Yoga is also beneficial for reducing stress. 

Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy is the act of teaching your body how to move and function properly again in order to increase mobility and decrease pain. In combination with treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy can help you experience a considerable reduction in pain. 

Narcotic-Free Pain Delivery A Powerful Tool In Recovery 

For someone recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, proper pain management provides comfort and restores a degree of function. This allows individuals to engage in recovery-based activities, giving their lives a sense of value, meaning, and purpose. 

When someone with a substance use disorder is in pain, physicians face several challenges. They do not want to prescribe opioids for fear of a patient relapse or overdose. However, they do not want to encourage these patients to seek illicit substances to manage the pain. If you or a loved one struggles with drug or alcohol addiction due to chronic pain, it is time to get the help you deserve. 

Learn about all of the best available detox and treatment options out there by contacting DetoxNearMe.com. While finding a treatment program that works for you can be an intimidating process, it is necessary that whatever you choose is in the best interest of your health. Contact us today.