The correlation between chronic pain and addiction is evident in the lives of many people who struggle with addiction. The number of people struggling with addiction that stems from struggling with chronic pain is astronomical. The effects that pain can have on a person’s overall well-being can be extreme, leading to changes that can be long-lasting.

Addiction to pain medications is a challenge that can be even more detrimental than pain. Proper understanding and care are crucial to proper management and living a happy and healthy life.

What is Chronic Pain?

Persistent pain lasting for 12 weeks or longer is considered to be chronic pain. This can be a result of injury or medical procedure. Decreased mobility, changes in appetite, mood, and stress perception can all be effects of chronic pain.

The effects that it can have on a person psychologically can be vast and make daily life extremely uncomfortable and difficult. It can happen anywhere in the body and can cause other ailments to inflame. People struggling with pain from an injury, for example, can experience pain from headaches, arthritis, as well as nerve and joint pain.

They could also experience insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Struggling with chronic pain and addiction can lead to further complications that can affect all areas of a person’s life.

Prescription Meds for Chronic Pain

A variety of medications are used in the treatment of chronic pain. These can include things like anti-inflammatories, steroids like prednisone, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Because the effects of chronic pain can be so far-reaching, and cause psychological effects, antidepressants are used in the management of symptoms associated with depression due to the pain.

In the treatment of chronic pain, opioid pain medications are often prescribed to help manage the condition. Opioids are medications that bind to opioid receptors and alter the perception of pain. This alleviates the feeling of physical pain. These receptors are responsible for different functions within the body that include stress management, reward, mood, gastrointestinal function, mood, and breathing.

The central nervous system (CNS), where these receptors can be found, is affected by the use of opioids. This leads to slowed motor function, slurred speech, and slowed breathing. Education on the dangers of using opioids in the treatment of chronic pain is essential for preventing complications.

How Patients Become Addicted

Chronic pain and addiction can go hand in hand, especially when opioids are involved. Opioids are one of the most commonly abused drugs in the country. The effects of opioids include a sense of euphoria and relaxation. These effects are the reason why opioids are so widely abused.

Using opioids regularly can result in a tolerance to the drug. With tolerance, the chronic pain conditions can feel like they are getting worse. This often results in people misusing the drug by taking more than prescribed to find relief.

As more and more of the drug is being used, the body becomes dependent on the substance. When the drug runs out, the body is then shocked by the lack of opioids and a person can begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and debilitating.

Struggling with chronic pain and addiction can be a difficult undertaking that can be extremely difficult to overcome.

Signs of Addiction

Addiction to opioids can lead to extreme life changes. The effects of addiction are far-reaching and can result in broken trust, loss of relationships, job loss, and homelessness among others. Opioid addiction is a leading cause of overdose, both fatal and non-fatal, and knowing what to look out for can help a person find the right help before addiction’s effects become too far-reaching.

Signs to look out for include:

Mood swings
Changes in sleep patterns
Nodding in and out of consciousness
Using medication in ways not prescribed
Lying about usage
Hiding usage
Isolation
Avoiding friends and family
Stealing
Trouble with law enforcement
Running out of medication early
Doctor shopping
Trouble with work or school
Withdrawal symptoms
Cravings
Using despite negative consequences
Engaging in risky activities

Identifying the signs of potential opioid abuse in loved ones can help them get help before they harm themselves or someone else. Getting proper help is crucial to ensuring a person’s safety and continued support and recovery.

Managing Pain Medication

Understanding how to properly manage pain medication is vital to avoiding negative results. The first thing to do is always consult with a medical doctor. Any medication that is prescribed should be taken as prescribed and continually monitored medically.

If there is any fear or worry, having someone trustworthy to dispense these medications can help, and if there is any concern, people taking these medications should consult their physician and get help as soon as possible.

Overcoming Addiction

Chronic pain can be a catalyst leading into the world of addiction. This can turn into a life-altering struggle that can seem impossible to overcome. From broken trust to homelessness, the effects of addiction can touch every aspect of a person’s life. There is help available for those who are struggling. At Ocean Hills, we offer comprehensive care for those individuals struggling with addiction to find hope.

Call us today and begin a journey to a new life.

About the author:

Greg Doss, CATCI

Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATCI). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

What’s the Connection Between Chronic Pain and Addiction?