Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis have a higher risk of experiencing migraines during rehabilitation and early recovery. The effects of some addictive substances may cause physical changes in the body that result in neuropathic pain, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Driftwood Recovery uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to provide pain relief for clients struggling with migraines during recovery from SUD. Migraine treatment improves overall health and wellness for individuals in rehabilitation.
What Is a Migraine?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), “The symptoms of migraine are different from person to person, but often include headaches that keep coming back” and may “include nausea, vomiting, changes in mood, extreme tiredness, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smells.” Migraines have a significant effect on people’s physical and emotional health. Symptoms may happen simultaneously or consecutively; some people experience only one or two symptoms, while others struggle with multiple severe effects. The pain can be mild or debilitating. Persistent migraines may significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Some of the risk factors for developing frequent or severe migraines include:
- Genetics
- Chronic health issues
- Substance abuse
- Mental health disorders
- Chronic stress
- Overstimulation
- Environmental factors
- History of headaches
- Allergies or food sensitivities
- Severe injury or illness, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Some individuals with substance use disorder have compromised immune systems, increasing their risk of migraines or other chronic conditions. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience cluster migraines. People who live with high levels of stress or mental health issues have a greater risk of tension migraines. Some individuals experience multiple types of migraines.
How Migraine Headaches Affect Brain Function and Quality of Life
Migraine headaches impact brain function and quality of life by interfering with a person’s ability to cope with everyday stimuli. Severe migraines often involve extreme sensitivity to sounds or lights. Migraines affect cognition by interrupting how various regions of the brain function, including areas responsible for attention and memory. Prescription medications and alternative holistic therapies can limit the effects of migraines and help people manage symptoms more effectively.
The Role of Stress and Tension in Triggering Migraines
Stress within the body is a significant trigger for certain types of migraines, including tension migraines. Managing stress more effectively can reduce migraine symptoms and side effects. Many individuals in treatment for substance abuse or mental health disorders benefit from using mindfulness-based techniques, including deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises, to cope with pain caused by migraines. Decreasing stress improves the effectiveness of rehabilitation and helps people successfully manage chronic migraines.
Migraine Treatment in Austin: Driftwood Recovery’s Holistic Approach
Driftwood Recovery offers personalized migraine treatment tailored to each client’s needs. Managing migraines and other co-occurring medical conditions involves doing the following:
- Addressing triggers and underlying causes
- Developing healthy coping skills
- Treating symptoms using integrative care
- Creating comprehensive treatment and aftercare plans
Successfully treating migraines during rehabilitation improves treatment outcomes and facilitates long-term wellness.
Therapies Used in Migraine Treatment
Stress, environmental triggers, nerve damage, and many other factors may contribute to the development of migraines. Clinicians treat clients by identifying the cause of migraines and using proven treatment, including:
- Physical therapy
- Pain management therapy
- Group therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
Driftwood Recovery uses many tools to help clients reduce mental and physical stress.
Managing Migraine Symptoms: From Nausea to Dizziness
The symptoms of migraines vary significantly depending on the type, co-occurring conditions, and overall health. Symptoms range from mild to disabling. Severe migraines reduce quality of life and make it difficult for individuals to function. The pain generally starts as a localized headache on one side of the head and may remain localized or expand.
Some of the most common symptoms and side effects of migraines include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Visual disturbances, including blurred vision, bright spots, lines across the vision, and other abnormalities
- Auras causing vision disturbances, eye pain, and other discomfort before the onset of a migraine
After a migraine, many individuals feel physically weak, exhausted, or confused. The feelings typically last for up to 24 hours after a migraine. Individuals in detox programs or early recovery may experience more severe migraines due to the symptoms of withdrawal.
Addressing Mental Health Issues During Migraine Treatment
Migraines are a neurological condition with many connections to mental health. Some examples of the connections between mental health and chronic migraines include:
- Stress caused by anxiety and other unmanaged symptoms of mental health disorders may cause migraines
- Chronic pain from migraines may cause people to feel hopeless and experience depressive episodes or anxiety disorders
- Medications for migraines may impact mental health, and medications for mental health disorders may increase the risk of migraines
- Systemic inflammation can affect both mental health disorders and migraines
According to Current Pain and Headache Reports, “Migraine is a common and often disabling neurovascular disorder” that “has been linked with several psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and to stress-related disorders, such as abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
How Driftwood Recovery Helps Improve Quality of Life for Clients With Migraines
Individuals living in Texas benefit from the comprehensive treatment programs at Driftwood Recovery. The clinical team uses evidence-based and complementary therapies to treat SUD and co-occurring conditions, including migraines.
Clients experiencing chronic migraines can learn to manage their conditions using the following:
- Pain management
- Prescription medications
- Skill development
Clinicians at Driftwood Recovery help clients reduce the risk of recurring migraines using stress management therapy and other treatments.
Individuals with substance use disorder or dual diagnosis have an increased risk of experiencing tension or cluster migraines. Driftwood Recovery treats migraines and other medical conditions using personalized treatment programs. To learn more about our services, call us today at (512) 759-8330.
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