Many people who turn to drugs like opioids do so as a means of managing pain. Somebody who’s been seriously injured might be prescribed opioids and have a hard time getting off of them. Eventually, they might start using illicit and unregulated street drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl. Dr. J. Fred Stoner has some insight to share about how patients can find the balance between pain and addiction.
Opioids and Pain Management
Opioids are meant to be a short-term solution for those who are going through acute pain, such as the pain experienced while recuperating from a broken or fractured bone. However, a dependency on these drugs can develop very quickly, due to how addictive they are. When someone is no longer able to get access to opioids from a doctor, they may start buying it from dealers. They might also find that they want to experience a stronger high. As the body learns to tolerate higher doses of opioids, people can start taking more than their body can handle, leading to overdoses.
Chronic pain differs from acute pain in that its far more prolonged. While opioids might be able to make someone with a chronic pain condition, such as fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis, feel better for some time, the limited duration of their prescription means the relief isn’t going to last. If they develop a dependency, they could find themselves dealing with withdrawal in addition to the pain they’re already experiencing.
Relapses
If someone is in recovery for opioid addiction, they have to be careful about not relapsing. However, being injured could start them on a path to re-addiction. They might think that they have no other choice and rationalize that they’ll have a better handle this time. However, opioids are highly addictive for many users, and they’re especially dangerous for anyone who has a history of abuse.
There are some things that can be done that let recovering opioid addicts relieve themselves of pain without being forced to relapse. There are psychotherapy methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, that lets them redirect their attention to creating positive thoughts that lessen the impact of negative ones that could make pain feel worse and the desire to use opiates far weaker. Although the relief may not come as quickly as it does when taking opiates, patients don’t have to deal with any negative side effects, such as experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Non-Opioid Treatments
Although opioids are some of the most potent and powerful means of treating chronic and acute pain, they are not the only options. Awareness of the long-term consequences of opioid usage has brought attention to treatment options that are far-less addictive. Many of these are easily accessible due to being less dangerous. Over-the-counter medication, such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol, can be used to relieve pain without patients worrying about getting hooked. However, they need to make sure that they follow the instructions regarding how and when to take these drugs.
If the pain has a psychological connection, a patient might need to seek counseling in tandem with other, safer methods of pain treatment. An exercise program approved by their doctor can help them better deal with pain, as can working with physical therapists. Methods like acupuncture and meditation might also help people to not feel the extent of their pain so much. In cases of chronic pain, patients may try to explore surgery option. Some patients can be helped by getting operations that help relieve their pain. Patients shouldn’t try to underplay how much pain they’re experiencing. Being vocal about their struggle means they’ll be more able to get help, but they should understand that opioids aren’t the only option.
Healthy Lifestyles
Addiction can come from pain management because patients are anxious to find a quick source of relief. However, things like chronic pain aren’t meant to be given an easy fix. Trying to fix things so suddenly can be very risky. For someone to be able to deal with chronic pain, they need to focus not only on how they can relieve their pain but also on how they can lead a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic pain can be reduced if a patient is getting enough rest, eating properly, and finding healthy ways to deal with stress. Their chronic pain can cause them to become stressed, and their stress can make them feel even more bodily pain. These methods, and ones like meditation, can teach patients better awareness of their pain and find ways to get through flare-ups without as much trouble.
Dr. J. Fred Stoner knows that finding the balance between addiction and pain is very difficult for many patients. They don’t want to deal with addiction, but they also don’t want to feel like they’re powerless against their pain. We thankfully have been learning about ways to confront pain without the drawbacks of opioids.
Addiction can come from pain management because patients are anxious to find a quick source of relief. However, things like chronic pain aren’t meant to be given an easy fix. Trying to fix things so suddenly can be very risky. For someone to be able to deal with chronic pain, they need to focus not only on how they can relieve their pain but also on how they can lead a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic pain can be reduced if a patient is getting enough rest, eating properly, and finding healthy ways to deal with stress. Their chronic pain can cause them to become stressed, and their stress can make them feel even more bodily pain. These methods, and ones like meditation, can teach patients better awareness of their pain and find ways to get through flare-ups without as much trouble.
Dr. J. Fred Stoner knows that finding the balance between addiction and pain is very difficult for many patients. They don’t want to deal with addiction, but they also don’t want to feel like they’re powerless against their pain. We thankfully have been learning about ways to confront pain without the drawbacks of opioids.