Prescription opioids provide pain relief to individuals living with health issues causing chronic or acute pain. Some people develop opioid use disorder (OUD) from taking illegal opioids or abusing prescription opioids. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a potential side effect of OUD. The condition causes individuals to experience an increased sensitivity to pain due to changes in the brain caused by opioid abuse. Driftwood Recovery provides opioid-induced hyperalgesia treatment to individuals in Texas.
Understanding Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is caused by chronic abuse of opioids. Over time, the drug changes how the central nervous system (CNS) processes pain signals. According to Current Pain and Headache Reports, “It is not yet known what changes in the peripheral or central nervous systems cause OIH.” High-level opioid use over a prolonged period can make the body highly sensitive to pain and reduce pain tolerance.
Signs and Symptoms of OIH
The warning signs and symptoms of opioid-induced hyperalgesia include:
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Pain spreading to new areas of the body
- Exaggerated responses to painful or uncomfortable stimuli
- Pain worsening despite the continued use of pain medications
- Generalized pain
OIH must be clinically assessed. The symptoms may overlap with other conditions, making it essential for individuals to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Impact of OIH on Daily Life
The increase in pain and discomfort caused by OIH may cause some individuals to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health side effects. Finding healthy ways to cope during treatment reduces the impact of opioid-induced hyperalgesia on a person’s quality of life. Driftwood Recovery offers evidence-based therapies and personalized care plans to ensure clients can access the resources and support they need to manage their condition.
Risk Factors for Developing OIH
No one knows precisely what causes OIH. However, multiple potential risk factors may increase the risk of a person developing opioid-induced hyperalgesia, including:
- Prolonged exposure to opioids
- High doses of opioids or frequently escalating opioid doses
- Frequently abusing highly potent opioids, including fentanyl
- Abusing opioids alongside other central nervous depressants
- Fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain
- Genetics
- Lack of proper medication management for prescription opioids
Most individuals who develop OIH have multiple risk factors impacting their mental and emotional health. Addressing these underlying issues is an essential part of treating substance use disorder (SUD).
Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia Treatment
OIH is treatable, and most people completely recover from the side effects after stopping opioid abuse. According to Pain Management, “Treatment of OIH requires tapering opioids and use of alternative pain management techniques.” Treatment generally involves professional addiction recovery programs and continuing care. Driftwood Recovery offers evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies for individuals with SUD and co-occurring OIH.
Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals with OIH. Clinicians use a multidisciplinary approach to pain management that addresses chronic pain while allowing the body to heal from the damaging effects of opioid abuse.
Some of the treatment services provided at Driftwood Recovery include:
- Case management
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Peer support
- Alternative holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
- Alumni support
Clinicians use experimental, evidence-based, and innovative techniques to treat OUD and OIH. Combining medical and therapeutic support allows clients to heal physically and emotionally from the effects of chronic opioid abuse. Every level of care offers OIH treatment to ensure clients heal at their own pace.
Minimizing Opioid Use and Dependence
Clients benefit from minimizing opioid use and dependence as quickly as possible. Continued use of opioids for pain management may cause short and long-term health issues. Detox generally involves tapering off prescription or illicit opioids to reverse the effects caused in the central nervous system.
Exploring Alternative Pain Management Strategies
Pain management is essential to facilitate recovery from OIH. The changes caused by chronic opioid abuse cannot be reversed without transitioning off of the drug. Clients may explore alternative pain management strategies at Driftwood Recovery. Often, multiple forms of pain management are used to address chronic health conditions during the rehabilitation process.
Some examples of alternative pain management for clients with opioid-induced hyperalgesia include:
- Non-opioid medications
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Biofeedback
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Driftwood Recovery offers personalized pain management and, if necessary, referrals to outside services to ensure clients feel comfortable throughout the treatment process. Most clients with chronic pain or other conditions benefit from participating in multiple forms of pain management. The clinical team collaborates closely with clients and families to reduce pain and improve overall health during rehabilitation. OIH is a treatable condition; over time, clients will begin to notice a reduction in pain sensitivity.
Finding Relief and Improving Quality of Life With Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia Treatment
Rehabilitation programs for OIH address symptoms and underlying factors affecting quality of life while ensuring clients receive high-quality addiction recovery treatment. Pain management is essential during treatment for OUD. Clients benefit from the tailored care plans and the low client-to-clinician ratio at Driftwood Recovery. Individuals in treatment can take advantage of one-on-one therapy and more comprehensive support.
Driftwood Recovery understands the profound effect OIH has on all areas of a person’s life. The clinical team diligently works with clients to help them discover new ways to manage their condition effectively. Over time, the body will heal, reducing or eliminating painful symptoms.
Driftwood Recovery provides opioid-induced hyperalgesia treatment to individuals around Austin, Texas. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you heal from OIH, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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