Those who struggle with chronic pain sometimes experience difficulties completing long term Florida rehab. Dealing with chronic pain in recovery can act as a trigger, driving addicts to crave opioid painkillers or other quick methods of pain relief.
Since opioids provide pleasure in addition to pain relief, some studies note that opioid pain management results in a type of neurological conditioning that makes it difficult for the user to imagine managing their pain in any other way. However, if you wish to succeed in a long term Florida drug rehab, you may want to hold off on resorting to opioid painkillers and try the following alternatives when dealing with chronic pain in recovery.
Using Non-Addictive Medications
Many chronic pain patients rely on opioids due to sheer lack of exposure to other medications. They associate opioids with pain management because they have yet to try other methods; however, as noted in prior studies, various levels of pain may be treatable using very mild forms of medication.
In fact, even acetaminophen or prescription-strength ibuprofen can provide relief for milder forms of chronic pain. For more severe pain, your doctor may suggest other non-addictive alternatives. Dealing with chronic pain in recovery becomes much easier when you simply tell your doctor that you recently underwent long term drug rehab in Florida and would like to treat your pain without sacrificing your sobriety.
Holistic Pain Management Techniques
Some chronic pain patients have found themselves able to manage their discomfort without taking medication at all. Through holistic methods such as mindfulness meditation, yoga and massage therapy, they learn to put mind over matter and refuse to let suffering overtake them.
Patients in long term Florida rehab, who sometimes suffer from co-occurring disorders in addition to substance use and chronic pain, often find that holistic methods help regulate their thought processes as well. Since opioid users become addicted to the mental and emotional effects of using as well as the relief from chronic pain, holistic techniques offer a comprehensive and drug-free method of dealing with chronic pain in recovery.
Monitoring Your Pain Levels Daily
Long term Florida rehab for addiction generally includes multiple phases of treatment. Once patients enter outpatient rehab, they must take it upon themselves to monitor the symptoms of their chronic pain. Some mistakenly believe that dealing with chronic pain in recovery means suffering through pain at any level, but you should always treat severely acute pain as an emergency. Do not feel as if you must suffer through it without help. If it gets too bad, consult a physician immediately. They can help you find a solution that will not force you to give up your recovery.
Chronic Pain in Long Term Florida Rehab
If you suffer from both addiction and chronic pain, you cannot afford to address one while ignoring the other. A quality drug rehab with a dedicated medical staff, such as we have at 1st Step Behavioral Health, can assist you in treating both conditions simultaneously. Dealing with chronic pain in recovery will not be easy, but our long term Florida rehab can help you form a relapse prevention plan that focuses primarily on effective pain management. Simply fill out our contact form or call us directly at (855) 425-4846 for more details.
