Early in the year, many people make new year’s resolutions. Most people make choices to lead a more fulfilling life, including recovering from addiction. However, no addiction is easy to overcome. People suffering from severe chronic pain often resolve to use opiates because of their effectiveness. However, depending on the them due to the need for pain relief can be detrimental to your health. If you suffer from intense pain and would like to have a sober 2019, non-opioid pain relief is a great alternative.
Alternative pain relief therapy
Before opting for opiates, it would be best to try pain relief therapies such as chiropractic care, massages, and acupuncture. These methods have been known to result in the relaxation of the muscles and help with pain relief. Pain is usually intense when you are stressed or depressed. These therapies also help to relax your mind, body, and soul.
Discuss with your doctor about the pain and medication
As a recovering addict of opiates, it is critical that you discuss with your doctor the challenges you have faced. The doctor will then exercise caution when it comes to the pain relief prescriptions given. You could also consider alternative measures to help reduce chronic pain without prescribed medication.
If you are not an addict but are worried about becoming one, talking to your doctor about it is also critical. This way, you will receive the needed support. When in need of pain relief, you should also insist on taking prescribed medication instead of opting for over the counter medicines.
Meditation and mindfulness
Self-acceptance is critical in your journey to remaining sober in 2019. Take the time to meditate and understand the challenges you have faced. This will help you understand the emotional turmoil you have endured. You will also observe the moment the pain becomes intense and what triggered it. This will guide you to evaluate your circumstances and avoid situations that trigger the anxiety. This is an excellent opportunity for you also to consider exercising and practicing yoga.
Get someone you trust to be responsible for your medication
Choosing someone you trust, in this case, also means picking someone who can tell you no when you insist on taking medication before your next dose is due. When you manage your medication, it is easier to get addicted to opiates, especially if you have low pain tolerance. Having someone monitor your medicine intake creates some accountability.
Having someone manage your medication will also help you transition to non-opioids as scheduled, especially when recovering from surgery. A significant number of people are addicted to opiates because they failed to stop the intake when they were required to do so.
It is critical for you to understand and appreciate that addiction is real. Anyone can become an addict to pain medication, without intending or expecting it. Accepting and acknowledging this possibility will make it easier for you to remain sober in 2019. You will make conscious decisions to keep addiction at bay while managing pain using methods that do not have adverse side effects.