Sober Recovery https://www.soberrecovery.com/images/og-image.gif 619 412 https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.soberrecovery.com/619x412_85/457/Doctor-Reprimand-163457.jpg 6 Alternatives to Try Before Opioids for Chronic Pain By Audrey Beim Sober Recovery Expert Author May 11 2016 Share to Twitter Share to Facebook IntroIn March 2016, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released new federal guidelines aiming to control the rampant abuse of powerful opioid painkillers. Opioid drugs, which include commonly prescribed drugs oxycodone and morphine, should not be the first line of therapy for treating common ailments such as back pain and arthritis, according to the CDC. Instead, the agency emphasized that “patients should be encouraged to try physical therapy, exercise and over-the-counter pain medications before turning to opioid painkillers for chronic pain.” For those who are suffering from chronic pain and are trying to stay away from opioids as much as possible, here are 6 non-prescription alternatives to try beforehand. Treatment Facilities Southeast Addiction Center Connections Mental Health Skywood Recovery Sanctuary at Cherry Hill If you're suffering from chronic pain and are trying to stay away from opioids as much as possible, here are 6 non-prescription alternatives to try beforehand. 1. Physical Therapy/ExerciseGiving recovering addicts a strong body helps create an optimistic outlook that instills a sense of independence and confidence. Exercise can also help fill the void that addicts have after being separated from their dependency on drugs. 2. ChiropractorsThe basis of chiropractic practices is to deliver a natural, non-medicated solution to pain and avoid the use and possible addiction of prescription opioids. The healing properties of chiropractic therapy can relieve pain and stiffness while increasing the mobility of a patient. This holistic option may help avoid the need for heavy painkiller medications and reduce the need for addictive prescriptions. There is some research reporting improvement with chiropractic care as playing important role in managing addiction and related disorders. As with exercise, the production of neurotransmitters to support a feeling of well-being can result from specific chiropractic techniques that stimulate the limbic system which help stimulate endorphins. 3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive behavioral therapy is based upon the idea that behaviors can be learned and unlearned. By working with a qualified therapist, individuals who abuse opioids can formulate new goals and replace substance abuse with healthy behaviors. Some individuals turn to these prescription substances to ease their emotional and psychological pain. Both group and individual support groups that focus on cognitive behavioral changes can help in a variety of ways: Create awareness of destructive thought patterns that maintain the abuse Replacing distorted thoughts with alternate ways of thinking Discovering practical strategies to handle stress in daily life Recognizing environmental triggers and learning to manage them 4. AcupunctureThe ancient practice of acupuncture works similar to narcotics as it stimulates the release of endorphins (often referred to as ““natural painkillers”) into the brain. Licensed and experienced acupuncture practitioners believe that by inserting tiny, thin needles along the body’s acupuncture meridians, positive energy will no longer be blocked. This will allow healthy energy flow and create healthy physiology and emotional balance. The result can be avoiding the need for prescription painkillers, or at least being able to lower the dose. 5. Meditation/YogaThe mind’s control over the physical sensations of the body can be beneficial in controlling pain. This takes practice and patience. For example, yoga provides support to minimize pain in the following ways: Relaxation through breathing. During yoga poses and breathing practices, participants are taught to focus inward and concentrate only on the present. Tension relief. Yoga is a drug-free pain relief alternative that treats joint and muscle aches through stretching and deep breathing, especially useful with the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms Relapse prevention. When yoga is combined with meditation it can help the recovering addict avoid cravings for the drug and renew mind, body and spirit. 6. Over-The-Counter (OTC) OptionsYou are likely familiar with OTC drugs that do not require a doctor's prescription and can be easily purchased off the shelf at your local drugstore. These alternatives provide safe and effective pain relief from many symptoms when the directions on the label are followed. The four most common over-the-counter analgesics are aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve). These common OTC medications can be extremely effective because they reduce swelling and relieve pain. For mild to moderate chronic pain, studies show that NSAIDs work about as well as opioid drugs and are less risky. OTC options to prescription painkillers should be considered as OTC medicines have a wider margin of safety than prescription medicines. However, it is entirely possible that like prescription drugs, OTCs can be harmful if misused. Supplemental PrecautionsIf the patient needs prescription opioids, the CDC advises physicians to prescribe only the lowest effective dose and should only continue prescription if the drug significantly improves the patient’s condition. Regretfully, these guidelines are voluntary for medical professionals to follow. For patients requiring prescription painkillers, these supplemental precautions should be included: There should be only one prescriber of the opioid painkillers Patients should maintain ongoing participation in their recovery Individuals should have on-going access a support system such as a 12-step program There must be stability in the home A lifestyle that includes regular sleep and exercise is necessary The challenge now lies in finding a balance between over prescribing opioids and assuring patients are given the appropriate treatment for their pain. If you or someone you know is seeking help from opioid addiction, please visit our directory of opiate and detox treatment centers or call 866-606-0182 to start the path to recovery today. Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.