Managing chronic pain while maintaining sobriety is a common yet challenging struggle for many individuals in recovery. Chronic pain—persistent pain lasting more than three months—can stem from injury, illness, or conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. For those who have struggled with addiction, finding safe and effective pain management options is crucial to prevent relapse. Here, we explore practical strategies for managing chronic pain without compromising recovery.

Building a Strong Foundation: Communication with Healthcare Providers

Open communication with healthcare providers is essential in building a safe pain management plan. It’s important for individuals in recovery to disclose their addiction history to all medical professionals involved in their care. This disclosure enables healthcare providers to prioritize non-addictive treatments and monitor for potential relapse risks. Patients can also benefit from asking providers about alternative, non-opioid medications that can help manage their pain. Options such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve-blocking medications can provide relief without the addictive risks. If opioids are unavoidable in some cases, discussing the lowest effective dosage and shortest duration can help minimize risks. (more…)