Treating pain and addiction requires a multi-pronged approach using medication and various types of behavioral and holistic therapy. Each person feels and reacts to pain differently. For people suffering from chronic pain, taking opioid pain medication for an extended period of time can cause serious dependence and addiction. Those who develop an addiction to their pain medication can enroll in an addiction and pain management program to ease withdrawals and cravings while still managing their pain.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with addiction to Fentanyl, Percocet, or other opioid pain medication. We know how difficult life can be when dealing with constant or chronic pain. If not managed properly, pain can cause depression, anxiety, and a severe addiction to pain medication or harder drugs. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to pain medication, call 833.448.0127 or send us a message online for more information about our addiction and pain management program.
The Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Addiction
Opioid pain medication is one of the most prescribed types of medication for treating pain after an accident, surgery, or pain from certain cancers or chronic conditions. It works by binding with opioid receptors in the body and blocks the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the central nervous system. Opioids do have a high risk of addiction and dependence with long-term use and should not be taken for longer than 30 days.
If you are taking opioid pain medication, do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as that will cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids that are hard to resist without help. Some of the common signs of opioid withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- High blood pressure
Working with your doctor to manage chronic pain reduces the chances of forming an addiction, as does staying away from drugs or alcohol while taking the pain medication. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our medical experts work closely with each patient to find the right combination of medications to treat the addiction while still providing the appropriate level of pain relief. In addition, they will participate in behavioral therapy to talk about what caused the addiction in the first place.
Best Methods for Treating Pain and Addiction
People suffering from chronic pain and addiction can find support at an accredited addiction treatment center that combines medication and behavioral therapy for a well-rounded treatment experience. Patients will work with a certified therapist in group and private sessions while medical staff administer medications and monitor them for any adverse reactions or increase in pain levels.
Here are some of the best methods for treating pain and addiction:
- Medication management—Using opioid-based medication to treat opioid addiction is an accepted practice and has shown to be very beneficial in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medical staff will make adjustments to the dosage to find the right combination for maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
- Behavioral therapy—Therapists will work closely with each patient to uncover the root cause of the addiction and teach them healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms. During group therapy, patients will gain valuable insight from their peers and see how addiction affects everyone in different ways.
- Family therapy—One important step in the recovery process is to involve family. Parents, spouses, and children will learn all about the damage opioids can cause and how they can help aid in the recovery process. They also get a chance to talk with a therapist to vent any frustrations or anger about the addiction without judgment.
Treating chronic pain and addiction is possible through an accredited treatment program that utilizes medication to manage pain and addiction symptoms.
Treat Chronic Pain at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide outpatient treatment programs for men and women struggling with addiction to opioid pain medication. We can treat chronic pain and addiction simultaneously using medication and behavioral therapy that teaches patients about the dangers of addiction while still managing their pain levels. The types of treatment programs and therapies we offer include:
- In-person and online outpatient treatment programs
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Pain and addiction management
- Family therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
To discover all of the benefits of our pain and addiction treatment programs, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to speak with our team about enrolling at our addiction treatment center.
