• Chronic devastating pain
  • Poor staff-patient relationship
  • Lower pain threshold or tolerance due to anxiety or depression
  • The patient had a history or tendency for substance abuse
  • Use of placebos and inadequate pain-relieving regimen

The study findings found that certain diagnostic and treatments should be followed by these patients.

  • Evaluate the patient for risk of suicide
  • Treat any comorbid (co-occurring) psychiatric conditions. This opens the door for dual diagnosis treatment which must occur at the same time.
  • Identify any factors that might be causing a vicious cycle in pain control
  • The staff-patient relationship should be managed carefully
  • Avoid an addiction diagnosis if possible

 

Typical Opioid Treatment

 

young yoga woman sit meditation on sunrise mountain peak rockDetox–When you stop using Demerol, you may have difficult and serious symptoms of withdrawal. Most people will require a medically supervised detox period. During this time you will rid your body of the toxins. Once you have stabilized, you will move on to your treatment plan.

Treatment programs—Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may need a residential program. You will live at the treatment facility, and be supervised round-the-clock. Therapists can help you with any psychological issues and underlying problems you might have. Physicians will assist you with a pain management plan.

You may find that an outpatient program is better suited to your life after detox. You will live at home but continue sessions with your counselors and be monitored by your doctor. You will learn how to manage your pain.

If you were a recreational user of Demerol and became addicted, you may need a longer treatment program. You will need to learn to live around the situations, places, and people that remind you of your drug use. An aftercare program or a sober living residence are good options in that case.

 

10 Suggestions for Chronic Pain Management You Can Try Right Now

 

Researchers spend a considerable amount of time trying to understand what causes chronic pain and how to get relief. Sports injuries and auto accidents are typical origins of chronic pain. There are also health issues like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and migraines. Here are some ways to manage chronic pain.

  1. Exercise—You probably don’t really feel like exercising when you’re in pain, but it is one of the best ways to manage chronic pain. Exercising regularly raises the endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are the chemicals that boost your mood. They also block pain signals. Win/Win! It also strengthens your muscles so you have less chance of re-injury.
  2. Biofeedback—Biofeedback is the practice of consciously controlling the functions of your body. There is evidence that this has been effective for patients with chronic pain. During sessions, you wear sensors that monitor your pulse, digestion, the tension in your muscles and temperature. Then you are taught how to control these responses to relieve your pain.
  3. Reduce stress—When negative feelings such as stress, anger, anxiety, or depression, take over you, your body responds. This increases the likelihood of pain. Be careful of negative thoughts. Music, meditation, and visualization are popular techniques.
  4. Join a support group—Depression can set in if you feel like you are alone in your situation. There are support groups of other people who are suffering just like you. You may want to continue or begin counseling.
  5. Posture—Sitting incorrectly in the C-slump (a rounded back) prevents blood flow which affects your nerves. This can make the pain even more severe. Keep your head above your spine which needs to be tall and straight.
  6. Eat healthily—Regardless of the type of pain you have, it is important to eat healthily. There are actually foods that assist in pain prevention because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Leafy greens and foods high in omega-3 acids like cherries, asparagus, and soy products help with inflammation. Low-fat, low-sodium foods aid in the digestive process.  Drinking plenty of water is important because dehydration can aggravate some types of chronic pain.
  7. Deep breathing—The practice of breathing deeply, along with meditation techniques can be helpful. Breathing deeply relaxes tension and tightness in the body and lessens the pain.
  8. Avoid certain foods—There are foods that will increase inflammation which can be a cause of pain. The chemicals in tomatoes, dairy, chocolate (!), eggs, citrus fruits, high fat red meat, wheat, and processed food of any kind need to be avoided. Also, red wine, coffee, tea, or soda.
  9. Turmeric—Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that has been used since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has the ability to improve the flexibility of your ligaments and aid your immune system.
  10. Antidepressants—When the pain becomes too much, your doctor may suggest that you take antidepressants as pain management. Studies have shown that antidepressants are being used to target brain chemicals, influencing the chemical messages.

 

Learning to Live Again

 

You can live your life fully again. You just needed some information, right? If you think you are addicted. If your pain won’t go away—we want to help. Behavioral Health Centers has a staff of caring and experienced medical professionals who can help you—really help you.

You can’t do it alone and you don’t have to. We have programs and therapies that can get you back on the path to a fulfilling life. Contact us. Let’s get started.

 

References:

www.medlineplus.gov

www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov