The Slippery Slope: Chronic Pain Management While in Recovery

Chronic pain management entails writing a prescribed plan of action to reduce the effects of long-term pain. This plan may involve prescription medication to ease or remove pain. For those who do not suffer with addictions medication does not pose a serious threat. But for recovering addicts, use of prescription drugs for chronic pain management while in recovery can be a slippery slope towards relapse.

Comedian Amy Dresner’s Relapse

Comedian Amy Dresner was sober for 1 ½ years when she began to have problems with her shoulder. She tried to manage the pain of her “frozen shoulder” with therapies, Tylenol, and creams. But after several months of debilitating pain and sleepless nights she finally consented to prescription drugs. She rationalized that since she was an alcoholic the drugs would not affect her.

Within a short period, she found herself addicted to Oxycodone and avoiding 12-Step meetings. When she started abusing the prescription drugs to the point of making herself ill, she recognized the disease of addiction. Amy Dresner chose to detox once more.

The Slippery Slope of Relapse

The slippery slope of relapse is the same for all recovering addicts. It is far too easy to replace one addiction with another. That is why rehab facilities recommend a holistic plan of chronic pain management while in recovery. Areas to consider when detailing the plan are mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, and non-traditional therapies such as art and music.

Mindfulness for Chronic Pain Management While in Recovery

Mindfulness means being in the moment; aware of thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the body. Awareness of these things helps to connect and disconnect with chronic pain. Read Practice Mindfulness to Decrease Pain in Drug Rehab at Delray Beachto learn more about this therapy.

Nutrition for Chronic Pain Management While in Recovery

Proper nutrition is essential in maintaining good health. But it’s critical for recovering addicts. Not only does the nutrients heal damaged organs, but it replaces the neurotransmitters that are depleted by substance abuse. Neurotransmitters are responsible for good moods, a sense of well-being, and pain management. For more information on nutrition and addiction read Nutritional Therapy in Delray Beach.

Exercise for Chronic Pain Management While in Recovery

When in pain for long periods of time people tend to stop moving. The false belief is that decreased movement will ease the pain. Yet, the opposite is true. The body becomes more stiff with less movement. It needs gentle stretching to reduce cytokines, the marker for inflammation. One of the best exercises to reduce inflammation is yoga. Other alternatives suggested by the Mayo Clinic is gentle walking or swimming, great options if you are near the beach.

Non-Traditional Therapy for Chronic Pain Management While in Recovery

Many rehab facilities offer non-traditional therapies to help recovering addiction reconnect with self. Art Therapy and Music Therapy are effective at helping the patient express emotions, including pain, in a healthy way. For more information on Art therapy click here, and also read Music Therapy Used in Recovery Centers in Florida.

Do You Need Chronic Pain Management While in Recovery?

Chronic pain management does not need to translate into relapse. Find a rehab facility that will work with you to create a customized chronic pain management plan while in recovery. Northlake Recovery in South Florida is prepared to help you. Call Northlake Recovery now at (561)-770-6616.