One of the most difficult situations to be in is experiencing chronic pain while battling an addiction. Those who have a pain management plan that involves narcotic medications can be in a very bad situation. On one hand, the person needs to treat chronic pain, but on the other hand, the medications are causing problems. To a person battling both chronic pain and addiction, the situation may seem hopeless – but there is a better way.
We’re Made to Believe Pain Management Medications are the Solution
Part of the issue with the way we learn how to manage most pain and illness is that we rely strongly on medication. The fact is that the United States uses more medications than any other country on earth. Recent studies show that we consume 80% of the world’s prescription opiate supply. The surgeon general said that we consume so many opiates, that it’s enough to give every citizen three full bottles. It’s important to step back and ask yourself, “What do citizens in other countries do to manage pain?”
It would be naïve to think that in a world with billions of people that nobody in other countries experiences pain. They do, but many of them use healthier methods to deal with pain. This simple piece of knowledge should give you hope that you can manage your pain without prescription opioids. Through addiction treatment, you’ll learn strategies to help you manage pain without narcotic medications.
Mindfulness and Yoga
People are often hesitant when they hear that forms of meditation and yoga can help reduce chronic pain. This is just another symptom of spending our entire lives believing that we need some type of pill to help manage our pain. Scientific studies show that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques are great for pain management. This is great news for anyone who has a prescription drug addiction.
Yoga is another technique that helps with symptoms of chronic pain because it helps wake up parts of the body and creates a mind-body connection. Mindfulness and yoga work together to help your body strengthen and heal, but also to strengthen your mind. Mindfulness is about strengthening your mind and learning how to change your relationship with pain. One of the main reasons why pain seems so intense is because of our mind’s natural tendency to focus on it.
Dealing with Painkiller Withdrawal
Before you begin the rehabilitation process, you’re going to need to go through a medical detox. Long-term use of prescription opiates creates a physical and mental dependency to medication. Pinnacle Peak Recovery works closely with high-quality detoxification centers that can help you get through painkiller withdrawal. Detox centers will help you reduce withdrawal symptoms that may include:
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Aches and pains
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
Once you complete the detoxification process, you can begin treatment at Pinnacle Peak Recovery. We’re here to show you a better way of managing your pain without using prescription drugs. Call us today at 866-377-4761 for more information.