It’s clear that a lot of individuals become addicted to prescription drugs because they initially dealt with extreme or chronic pain. As a matter of fact, the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies assesses that 100 million Americans experience chronic pain. Of those suffering in 2006, 51% think they have no authority over pain. That translates into 50 million Americans feeling miserable and out of control in terms of overall health. Don’t be a statistic, follow Northlake Recovery’s overview on the tips of pain management during recovery.

Prescribed Drugs for Pain Management in Recovery

For those dealing with addictive tendencies, pain management in recovery may be a scary possibility. Many individuals recovering from addictive behaviors believe they cannot utilize medication to manage pain because using drugs, including doctor prescribed pain killers, endangers recovery. And for some this idea is true. For others, they can comply with doctor’s orders and properly use painkillers. Despite your scenario, it should be clear that using prescription drugs per your doctor’s request is not an ethical issue.

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states on page 133:

” God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitate to take your health problems to such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies. Try to remember that though God has wrought miracles among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist. Their services are often indispensable in treating a newcomer and in following his case afterward.”

The secret to excellence for pain management in recovery is sincerity with yourself and your medical professional. If you think using prescription drugs will endanger your recovery, tell your doctor and request alternative treatments.

Other Therapies for Pain Management in Recovery

Alternative treatments should be utilized for each person experiencing pain as they present no danger of relapse. Not only are they risk-free of relapse, but these treatments often enhance quality of life for the victim of pain.

These treatments consist of therapeutic exercise and yoga, strength training, prayer, meditation or guided relaxation, hypnosis, bio-feedback, acupuncture and acupressure, massage, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications and ointments. The little recognized trick is these treatments can enhance versatility, reduce pain and stress, and boost general well-being. Often victims avoid these therapies for fear of worsening their condition, which is clearly opposite of the outcomes. One area most individuals take for granted is their diet for pain management.

Transformation of Diet and Weight Regulation for Pain Management in Recovery

Individuals dealing with chronic pain experience unsteady glucose serum amounts due to overactive adrenal glands. Over time, this results in pituitary-adrenal exhaustion. This translates into loss of appetite, nutrient inadequacy, and a rise of sugar and starch consumption.

When chronic pain victims are prescribed opioids, this issue raises as the drugs affect brain receptors triggering the person to crave sweet food and gain weight rapidly. Here is the awful secret of opioid use for pain management; weight gain can overwhelm, with some individuals multiplying their weight in just a couple of years.

Both those taking opioids and those free from need to comply with a pain management diet program to keep weight down and enhance nutrients within the body. While you should seek advice from a doctor before transforming your diet, the basics of pain management through diet is boost protein while lowering sugar and carbohydrates. Protein will serve to regenerate tissue and encourage strength and is crucial while using therapeutic exercise to battle pain.

Therapeutic Workout for Pain Management in Recovery

Therapeutic activities guide pain management in recovery two ways. Initially it discharges mood-boosting neurochemicals which stimulates the reward pathways in the brain. These are the same pathways stimulated by drugs and alcohol. The trick is instead of a chemical high, you induce your body into generating a natural high.

The subsequent way is by reinforcing the core muscles through weight training or yoga your body can keep and support an optimal weight. Even a few pounds of extra weight can enhance pain past tolerance levels. Exercise can boost strength while enhancing energy and improving your blood circulation. Many individuals who exercise routinely mention better sleep habits too.

Speak with your medical professional before starting an exercise regimen to reduce pain through weight loss. It helps to keep a pain journal and discuss your insights with your doctor to find the most effective therapeutic exercise for your problem.

Use a Pain Log for Pain Management in Recovery

The best kept secret in pain management is a pain log. Keep a pain journal whether you use alternate therapies or medication to treat pain. The journal will help you correspond properly with your doctor and recovery counselor or sponsor. To utilize a pain journal, you will make a daily entry noting any pain and how serious the pain is. Use a scale of 0-10, with 0 suggesting no pain and 10 revealing extreme pain.

Other signs to note in the journal:

• Specific location of Pain
• Does the Pain Move or Stay in One Position?
• How Does the Pain Feel?
• Time of Day the Pain Begins/Ends.
• How You Handled the Pain?
• Emotions Around the Pain Incident.

Be detailed when composing. Use words such as sharp, stabbing, dull, aching, throbbing, burning, or biting. If you discover the pain raises with certain tasks or decreases with other functions, then provide that information in your observations.

Looking for Alternative Therapies for Pain Management in Recovery?

If you or a loved one is dealing with addictive behaviors and pain management, call Northlake Recovery at (561)-770-6616. We offer pain management therapies in a compassionate and sober environment. Get help now!