If you are someone you love suffers from chronic pain, they may be using drugs or alcohol in order to treat that pain. This can lead to addiction, destructive behavior and disruption of family and interpersonal relationships. Below are three ways you or someone you love can stop using drugs if they are suffering from chronic pain.
The first solution is to look for natural, non-additive solutions to chronic pains. For instance, there are a number of foods, drinks, herbs, and spices that can reduce inflammation and help to treat chronic pain. As an example, the spice turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in many medical studies. Additionally, refraining from eating inflammation-inducing foods such as processed sugar and processed meat can go a long way to reducing chronic pain. Any changes you make with your diet should be made with the consultation of a medical professional.
Another way to stop using drugs when you have chronic pain is to use non-addictive, over the counter pain medication. Over the counter medication can include the following:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Note that each of these over-the-counter medications should be used a prescribed and the user should not exceed the recommended dosage.
Finally, the most effective way for someone with chronic pain to stop using drugs is to seek counseling. There are a number of treatment centers that specialize in counseling people with chronic pain and substance abuse issues. These treatment clinics offer both resident and non-resident programs. If you are interested in seeking counseling for yourself or someone you love, you should first research all the treatment centers in your area. Second, contact each of these treatment centers and ask if they specialize in treating people with chronic pain. Afterward, you should arrange for a consultation and a tour of the facility. While you are at the facility, you should ask specific questions about the treatment program including the length of the program and post-treatment counseling. Finally, you should ask the treatment center about the success rate of their programs. From there, you should be able to make your final determination as to which treatment center will be best.
If you or someone you love suffers from both chronic pain and substance abuse, then it is critical that you seek care immediately. Try each of the three approaches listed above. If the situation is serious, then seek counseling right away. Starting today will help bring about better results tomorrow. Call us at 833-846-5669.