Chronic pain is one of the most common health issues experienced by adults in the United States. The symptoms and side effects of chronic pain may lead to a reduced quality of life and difficulty coping with daily stressors. Individuals with chronic pain have an increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Driftwood Recovery treats SUD and co-occurring conditions, including chronic pain, using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. Pain management is essential to ongoing recovery for individuals living with chronic conditions.
Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Impact on Quality of Life
Chronic pain manifests in different ways. Some individuals experience constant pain, while others may have pain or discomfort that comes and goes. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), “Chronic pain can last for weeks, months, or even years” and is “linked to anxiety and depression, and it can limit people’s ability to work or do other activities.” Approximately 1 in 12 people in the United States experience chronic pain at some time in their life. Low back pain is one of the most common causes of chronic health issues.
How Pain Affects the Nervous System and Brain Function
Chronic pain alters how the nervous system transmits pain signals to the brain. Medical conditions that cause nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy may cause significant changes to the brain. According to MedlinePlus, “Damaged nerves may not carry messages correctly, or they may not work at all.” Due to the physical effects of nerve damage, “you may have pain, trouble walking, or a variety of other problems, depending on which nerves are involved.” Chronic pain involving nerve damage is a risk factor for substance abuse. Some individuals may use substances to self-medicate and manage the pain, or they might become addicted to prescribed medications.
The Importance of Pain Management for Improved Quality of Life
Chronic pain causes physical and emotional distress. Finding healthy ways to manage pain will improve client’s quality of life and reduce their risk of relapse. A whole-person approach to treatment benefits individuals with multiple health conditions. Driftwood Recovery integrates various patient-centered alternative therapies and services, including physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and low-stress fitness exercises.
Using holistic pain management improves treatment outcomes by doing the following:
- Addressing the root causes of the pain through various techniques
- Enhancing mental health through biofeedback and other methodologies
- Improving client engagement in treatment
- Strengthening healthy coping strategies
- Providing tailored treatment
- Supporting long-term recovery by addressing cycles of chronic pain
Medications play a role in pain relief. Holistic therapies may reduce reliance on prescription pain medication. Clinicians generally use a combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments to address symptoms related to chronic conditions.
Prescription Medications and Their Role in Pain Relief
Driftwood Recovery uses interventional pain management techniques and prescription medications to help clients manage chronic pain. Clients may be referred to pain specialists to ensure they receive appropriate care to address their level of pain.
Not everyone benefits from prescription medications. Individuals recovering from substance abuse may want to avoid any form of pain medication to reduce the risk of relapse. The clinical team collaborates closely with clients and their primary care providers to ensure clients have consistent pain management during every stage of treatment and ongoing recovery.
Advanced Therapies: Stimulation Techniques and Psychotherapy for Pain Management
Nerve stimulation is one pain management method that provides quick and profound relief for many clients. Stimulating the nerves using specific techniques or tools overrides pain signals to the brain and minimizes certain types of chronic pain. Clients can work with the care team to discuss the various forms of nerve stimulation and determine if any of them will relieve their pain.
Psychotherapy and Mental Health Support for Pain-Related Anxiety and Stress
Learning to effectively manage emotional distress improves physical and emotional health. Many individuals with substance use disorder have co-occurring conditions impacting their emotional well-being. Navigating dual diagnosis is easier with the support of individual or group therapy.
Psychotherapy is essential in the treatment of emotional distress, physical pain, and addiction. Therapy helps clients make crucial connections between their emotional reactions and physical symptoms. Clients can learn to regulate their emotions and stress responses to minimize chronic pain.
The Driftwood Difference: Experience Exceptional Pain Management in Texas
Driftwood Recovery uses compassionate treatments and support services to educate clients and their families on the effects of pain management on addiction recovery. The complex relationship between chronic pain and addiction makes it essential for clients to truly understand how the two conditions affect one another and the best ways to address both simultaneously.
Driftwood’s Comprehensive Pain Clinic: Integrating Health and Wellness
Clients at Driftwood Recovery can take advantage of the comprehensive pain clinic provided by our pain management experts. The personalized programs ensure clients have access to essential services for relieving pain and improving mental health.
Long-Term Support and Pain Management: Aftercare and Community Integration Programs
Driftwood Recovery offers long-term support through our community integration program (CIP), aftercare planning, and alumni services. Individuals with chronic pain may benefit from participating in the integration program, which provides them with additional accountability and compassionate support during the early stages of ongoing recovery. Clients can also use our aftercare planning to get referrals to pain management programs and make lifestyle changes that address the causes of chronic pain.
Comprehensive pain management allows clients to focus more fully on rebuilding their lives and developing skills for managing substance use disorder. Driftwood Recovery offers pain management services and referrals to outside resources to ensure clients receive appropriate and effective care. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (512) 759-8330.
Contact us
Break the cycle of suffering through surrender.
Contact Driftwood Recovery today to get more information or schedule a tour.