Addiction Treatment Centers and Pain Management


Treating those who suffer from pain and have developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol is a delicate and challenging task.   The detoxification and rehabilitation process for a person that suffers from chronic pain must be approached with caution as withdraw from pain medications may exacerbate symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of drug or alcohol treatment.


Like treating co-occurring disorders, it is critical that dependency of drugs and alcohol are treated by the staff of one facility that employs qualified staff that are trained and experienced in treating chronic pain and addiction.  One doctor must oversee and administer the pain management program that is designed for the drug or alcohol addict.  It is critical that communication and documentation be maintained at all times for the purposes of safe and effective pain management and treatment of the substance addiction.

One of the primary challenges in treated a drug or alcohol addict that suffers from chronic pain is the selection of appropriate medications and techniques that are used to treat the pain.  Opiates and other narcotic pain relievers must be administered with extreme care as to not encourage abuse and compromise the entire recovery process.  

On the other hand, adequate treatment of the pain is essential as to prevent relapse and self-medication upon discharge from the treatment facility.  This balance must be maintained in order to successfully treat the problem of chronic pain and the abuse of and dependence on addictive substances.  

The selection of pain management medications must be dictated by the level of pain that the addict is experiencing, not by the type of or amount of a drug that the addict is dependent upon.  The severity of the pain is the primary determining factor of what type of drug is to be administered by the trained medical staff within the drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.   

Typically, a risk/benefit analysis is conducted when determining the type and quantity of pain relief medication that is to be administered.  Because the likelihood of sustained or enhanced addiction is ever present in the drug or alcohol addict, doses are constantly monitored and adjusted based various factors that are presented by the addict.

Drug and alcohol addicts can rest easy knowing that there are facilities that can safely and effectively treat their addiction and chronic pain simultaneously.   Inpatient care and follow up services are available for continued support and guidance.  A quality facility that is capable and qualified to treat both chronic pain issues and drug or alcohol abuse and addiction can be just mouse click or a phone call away. 

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