How to Manage Pain Without Opioids

manage pain

Almost all American adults have experienced pain at some point in life. Whether you injure yourself in an accident or have chronic pain as a symptom of an illness, you are probably willing to try anything that will bring you relief. However, the national spotlight on the opioid epidemic may have brought to your attention how powerfully addictive these drugs can be – even for people who use them exactly as prescribed. Fortunately, there are alternative options to manage pain without opioids.

Try Other Medications

Nobody should have to live with pain and the distress and anxiety that often accompany it. Several non-opioid solutions exist to help you keep your pain within tolerable levels. The solution starts by speaking candidly with your physician. Any compassionate health care professional should understand why you might be wary about the risks of using potentially addictive drugs, and be able to recommend alternative medications.

For example, familiar household names such as Tylenol, Motrin and Advil are non-habit-forming, and available over the counter. You may find relief from a range of conditions – from arthritis to migraines – by using these drugs and skipping the prescription altogether.

Consider Holistic Therapies

Incorporating natural pain relief strategies alongside a conventional treatment regimen can supplement the effectiveness of both. Don’t be afraid to try non-traditional pain management such as:

There’s also a growing body of research demonstrating the effectiveness of meditation for pain relief. Though we still have much to learn about the mind-body connection and how mindfulness meditation can ease chronic pain, what we do know is promising.

Get Fit

Pain can prevent you from doing many of the activities you enjoy, such as pursuing an active lifestyle. Focusing on improving your fitness level will help you feel better, both mentally and physically. Regular exercise will give you more energy and help put you in closer touch with your body. Exercises don’t have to be high-impact to provide benefits such as boosting your mood and strengthening your immune system. Walking, swimming, weightlifting and yoga have all proven to contribute to overall health and wellness, without putting excessive strain on your joints.

Find a Therapist

If you often struggle with pain, you know it can affect nearly every aspect of your life. It can even cause depression, anxiety or feelings of hopelessness when it stands between you and the lifestyle you wish to lead. By improving your mental health through individual or group therapy, you can learn how to maintain a more even keel and find healthy ways to cope with your challenges. Counseling will provide you with a sense of peace and a greater satisfaction with your overall situation.

Women’s-Only Opioid Treatment

If pain is interfering with your daily life, you’ll be glad to know you don’t have to expose yourself to the risks associated with taking opioids. Other forms of pain management can be just as effective, if not even more so.

Are you seeking opioid addiction help for yourself or someone close to your heart? Contact us today at Canyon Crossing. Our innovative programming helps women discover how joyful life can be without drugs and alcohol.

Benefits of Residential AddictionTreatment

You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick. This is the philosophy behind our residential addiction treatment program. At Canyon Crossing, women learn to live life on life’s terms while staying in a safe, substance-free setting. This gives our clients the space and peace needed for lasting recovery.
Our residential program combines high-accountability sober living arrangements with first-rate clinical care. While staying in our homes, clients participate in process groups, one-on-one counseling sessions, and hands-on learning opportunities. They also receive ongoing training; in these meetings, life skills like financial management and conflict resolution are imparted. All of this happens with 24/7 encouragement, guidance, and supervision from our clinical team.
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