The opioid crisis makes headlines regularly, giving the impression that doctors are overprescribing opioid-based painkillers. While opioid addiction and deaths attributed to opioid overdoses is a serious problem, recent statistics indicate that doctors have become aware and are making an effort to stop feeding the addiction cycle. Since 2014, overall opioid prescriptions have been declining steadily at a rate of 8% per year. Prescriptions for high-dose opioid painkillers have dropped even more drastically at a rate of 50% since 2006. In fact, the majority of people suffering from opioid addiction turn to illegal street drugs, such as heroin, to help them cope with pain that is often treatable through natural means.
Opioid Painkillers Only Mask the Problem
While many people say they would rather deal with addiction if it means alleviating their chronic pain, they often make such statements without considering what addiction entails. To begin, Dr. J. Fred Stoner, a specialist in pain management, points out that opioids address pain by changing the chemical reactions in the brain. The drug slows the responses of neurons between the brain and central nervous system, which results in slower body processes, such as respiration, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
Additionally, opioid receptors in the brain are stimulated, promoting the
release of dopamine, which is considered a “feel good”
neurotransmitter. Under normal circumstances, the brain releases dopamine when
we eat something delicious or win a game. However, opioid drugs cause an
unnatural release of this neurotransmitter. Continued use results in the brain
becoming accustomed to the heightened dopamine levels, which is commonly known
as building a tolerance. This means it will take more of the drug to affect the
pain experience, starting the cycle of addiction.
For sufferers of chronic pain, this cycle is even worse. Pain signals tell us
something isn’t right. When an opioid is masking those signals, the brain will
boost the pain signals to compete with the heightened levels of dopamine. This
makes pain worse, while also increasing the severity of the addiction.
For sufferers of chronic pain, this cycle is even worse. Pain signals tell us something isn’t right. When an opioid is masking those signals, the brain will boost the pain signals to compete with the heightened levels of dopamine. This makes pain worse, while also increasing the severity of the addiction.
Dealing with Chronic Pain in Addiction Recovery
If you have become addicted to opioid painkillers and must go through an addiction treatment program, you won’t be able to use your medication as freely as you have in the past. Instead, the caregivers in the rehab facility will determine your pain needs and provide you with minimal doses to meet your needs. Primarily, however, you will be expected to learn new methods for coping with pain. Rehab facilities teach a variety of lifestyle changes that can help manage pain naturally.
Pain management professionals, such as Dr. J. Fred Stoner, point out that there
are many things we should be doing in our daily lives that will better prepare
the body to cope with pain. For instance, getting a full eight hours of
sleep each night is essential, because the body heals and strengthens itself
during sleep. Additionally, the vitamins, protein, and nutrients found in
plant-based foods help the immune system respond to inflammation more
efficiently. When inflammation is reduced, the individual experiences less pain
accordingly. This makes natural supplements like turmeric a helpful
alternative. Exercise also helps by building muscle and strengthening tissue.
Participation in peer group support meetings can also help by giving you an
opportunity to vent your feelings and learn from others.
cope with pain. For instance, getting a full eight hours of sleep each night is essential, because the body heals and strengthens itself during sleep. Additionally, the vitamins, protein, and nutrients found in plant-based foods help the immune system respond to inflammation more efficiently. When inflammation is reduced, the individual experiences less pain accordingly. This makes natural supplements like turmeric a helpful alternative. Exercise also helps by building muscle and strengthening tissue. Participation in peer group support meetings can also help by giving you an opportunity to vent your feelings and learn from others.
Treating Pain Naturally
Of course, the goal is to avoid addiction altogether. This means reducing your reliance on opioid painkillers as much as possible and finding alternative types of therapy. Various types of physical therapy, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and deep tissue massage therapy, can be especially helpful in treating pain naturally. While each of these types of therapy provides unique benefits, they all help relax the body and reduce inflammation. In fact, many people continue with treatments even after their pain has subsided, or after the cause of the pain has been eliminated. Many people say regular massages, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments improve their overall wellbeing.
Another natural option to consider is taking herbal supplements. Research has
found that omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and probiotics are all useful in
reducing pain and inflammation. There are many supplements on the market today
that provide these compounds in concentrated forms. While natural supplements
can help you cope with pain, it is important to consult your primary doctor
ahead of time. If you’re taking other medication, these supplements can
interfere with the effectiveness of those other drugs. Additionally, the
substances may interact badly and cause you to experience a severe reaction.
For your own wellbeing, you should seek your doctor’s guidance in beginning any
new supplement.
When it comes to managing severe and chronic pain, the best approach seems to
be providing a balance between medication and alternative methods for managing
pain. In some cases, it’s just not possible to avoid the use of opioid
painkillers completely, so it may be better to use medication sparingly. The
patient can be instructed on relying more on various types of physical therapy
and other healthy types of pain management. This type of approach can help
people take a more active role in managing their pain, while also helping them
avoid the cycle of addiction.