Medical doctors routinely give pain medications to help people deal with chronic pain. The bigger problem is the connection between pain management and addiction. Many people using prescribed painkillers need drug addiction treatment down the road. What can you do about your pain and addiction to pain medicine? A pain management and addiction rehab can help you end your dependence on painkillers and find safer, healthier ways to manage chronic pain.
Whether you have a severe addiction to prescription drugs, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, or alcohol, drug rehabs are set up in every state to help you go through the detoxification phase. Some drug addictions, such as opiates, may take longer to detox, and the withdrawal process may be painful, but the pain does not last forever. Northpoint Recovery offers medically supervised prescription drug rehab that is effective and comfortable. Call us today at 888.296.8976 to learn more about our pain management rehab center in Boise, Idaho.
What Is Pain Management?
Pain management is a branch of medicine that specifically addresses chronic pain and those who might develop chronic pain. The American Academy of Pain Management’s goal for the field is to “transform the way that people with pain get the care they need and deserve.”
One term you may hear frequently is integrated pain management. This means the doctor focuses on your needs as a patient rather than simply decreasing your pain level. For example, an integrated pain management practitioner may add acupuncture and chiropractic to a patient’s pain protocol instead of just painkillers.
Usually, a pain management team in a hospital includes a medical doctor, psychologist, physiotherapist, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, and occupational therapist.
The Connection Between Pain Management and Addiction
When doctors begin managing chronic pain, they have a pain ladder formula that helps them determine how to stop the pain. The World Health Organization recommends the use of the pain ladder.
There are three steps on the pain ladder:
- The first rung of the pain ladder is where a medication is given, and the response is monitored. The first rung of the pain ladder may be NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. NSAIDs (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) should be used for short-term use only, as they can eat away at the stomach lining and cause internal hemorrhaging.
- If the patient did not get adequate pain relief, the patient and doctor move to the next rung of the pain ladder, where a stronger medication is given. The second step of the ladder usually includes acetaminophen on its own or acetaminophen with tramadol, which is a weak opioid.
- If this pain ladder rung doesn’t work, the ladder’s third rung is used. The opioids on the third step of the ladder include oxycontin, morphine, fentanyl, tapentadol, hydromorphone, methadone, and buprenorphine.
The problem with this method of pain management is that opioids are highly addictive. Even though opioids are prescription drugs, it does not mean they are safe. It is too easy for the patient to continue getting opioids for a while, much longer than they should. In this case, they may engage in prescription drug abuse and require pain management and addiction rehab.
Recovery with Pain Management and Addiction Rehab
Chronic pain leads to mental disorders and possibly addiction. When chronic pain continues for a long time, it often leads to depression and anxiety. Ironically, the medication that treats chronic pain can also lead to these symptoms. So, how can you find relief?
Pain management and addiction rehab centers can help you heal by:
- Teaching healthy lifestyle habits – Many drug rehab centers offer to teach those addicted to prescription drugs and other drugs new lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, exercise, and meditation, which can decrease the chances of relapse.
- Exposing you to holistic approaches to healing – Some drug rehab facilities offer unique activities such as equine therapy, hiking mountain trails, or other outdoor activities.
- Addressing the underlying causes of pain and addiction – Addiction treatment includes one-on one-counseling and group counseling.
A pain management and addiction rehab center can help you deal with pain more healthily while breaking free from dependence on prescription painkillers.
Talk to a Rehab Specialist About Northpoint Recovery’s Pain Management Rehab in Boise, Idaho
If you suffer from pain and addiction, you can find relief at Northpoint Recovery’s pain management program in Boise, Idaho. Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They will verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and ensure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free. Contact us at 888.296.8976 to begin your journey to safe, effective pain management and freedom from painkiller addiction.