Chronic pain and addiction are two complex medical conditions that often coexist. While they are distinct disorders with their own symptoms and side effects, there is a significant connection between them. Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts three months or longer, while addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive drug use.
There is no single reason why chronic pain and addiction often coexist – there are many. By understanding the connection and why it exists, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from falling into the same cycle. Keep in mind that addiction does not discriminate – an adult who suddenly develops chronic pain can fall into substance use just as easily as someone at risk.
How Chronic Pain Can Lead Addiction
Chronic pain can last for months or years, taking a toll on your mental and physical health. Over time, it’s not uncommon to develop anxiety or depression. Some people have their pain come and go, while others experience it every day. Whatever way it is for you, chronic pain is almost always debilitating.
The best way to treat chronic pain is with a combination of medications, therapies and lifestyle modifications. Opioids are a common treatment option, especially for acute pain. These drugs are effective at reducing pain, and some people only find relief from them. However, as you probably know, opioids are highly addictive.
In fact, opioids cause the most prescription medication-related overdose deaths in the U.S., and that rate is still rising. Therefore, doctors are more cautious when prescribing these medications, and only prescribe them for a short time when they do. The trouble is that opioids are so addictive, it only takes a few days to become dependent on them.
Opioids work by binding to the brain’s receptors and producing feelings of pleasure and pain relief. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of opioids and requires higher doses to achieve the same effect, leading to addiction. The AMA estimates that nearly half of people who use heroin started with a prescription opioid addiction.
Addiction Can Worsen Pain, Too
Chronic pain and addiction are a dangerous cycle. It’s not just the pain that’s the problem, but also the substance use. Once your body adapts to opioids, its ability to create and use natural endorphins decreases, making it difficult for your body to manage pain on its own.
Furthermore, opioids can mask emotional pain and trauma, discourage physical activity, and make it more difficult to sleep. If your mind and body are not healthy, you’re more susceptible to pain and will have a harder time managing it.
Not to mention, the life of a substance user is not healthy. If you’re misusing opioids, you can put yourself at risk for other things that may bring you pain and suffering, such as risky behavior, unprotected sex, domestic violence and other criminal behavior.
Treating Chronic Pain and Addiction
While treating chronic pain and addiction is challenging and requires a comprehensive approach, both disorders respond well to the appropriate medications, therapies and lifestyle changes. It’s best to treat both disorders separately, but at the same time, so that you have the best outcome.
Pain management techniques that do not involve drugs are ideal, such as physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. These techniques can be effective at treating both chronic pain and other mental health disorders. Additionally, medications that are not addictive, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be used to manage chronic pain.
For treating addiction and reducing relapse, a combination of medications and therapy can be effective. There are medications that can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as behavioral therapies to help you understand your motivations for using substances and develop better coping skills. A dual diagnosis treatment center will have all the tools you need to succeed.
Find the Path Back to Living
Chronic pain and addiction are two complex medical conditions strongly connected. Chronic pain can lead to addiction, while addiction can worsen chronic pain. Both conditions must be treated simultaneously, but separately, using a comprehensive approach. To learn more about treating chronic pain and addiction, and building a fulfilling life, contact Awakenings Treatment Center today.