Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
You’re struggling with a painkiller addiction. It started after you received opioids for chronic pain. Now, you’re ready to quit using. What pain management techniques can help you with the discomfort to prevent a recurrence of the dependency?
Doctors like to prescribe painkillers because they work well. They interrupt the pain signals that your body sends to the brain. However, these nervous system depressants have high addiction potentials. Therefore, someone with a chemical dependency shouldn’t use them.
That said, you don’t have to keep suffering from pain. For example, did you know that some forms of pain have psychological roots? Psychiatric care can help you deal with stressors that so far translate into unpleasant physiological discomfort. Physical therapy is another modality that assists you with broadening your range of motion and ability to overcome pain.
Meditation is a holistic treatment that offers many applications. It focuses on breathing techniques that help you deal with stressors. Yoga adds safe stretches to the mix. Other options include massage and acupuncture.
Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.