Pain Management For Veterans
Chronic pain is an affliction that affects millions of people. Whether it was caused by injury, surgery, or mental illness, chronic pain will often cause increased hardship in all aspects of life. While there are various strategies implemented to try and treat or manage chronic pain, there is no straightforward cure. You may go to a doctor or therapist who can prescribe you opioids to help with pain management; however, there is a significant risk of developing an addiction. At Dr. Paul’s By The Sea, we provide evidence-based practices that can help you manage your pain without the need for addictive prescription medications. Our St. Augustine pain management rehab will also provide you with traditional treatment programs if you are struggling with prescription drug addiction. At the same time, teaching you new coping strategies that will increase your quality of life.
What is Pain Management Rehab?
“Pain Management” is a specific medicine branch that focuses on treating and relieving the pain of those who have or could develop chronic pain. The American Academy of Pain Management has stated that the ultimate goal for this field is to “transform the way that people with pain get the care they need and deserve.” Unfortunately, this often includes prescribing addictive narcotics and opioids to help with managing the pain. That is why treatment facilities provide services to treat both substance use disorders (SUDs) and develop non-addictive pain treatment methods.
Doctors are aware of prescription medications' danger and will often take more than just the patient's pain levels into account. This is what's known as "integrated pain management" which requires the doctor to look at the "whole" of a patient rather than just trying to decrease their pain. Doctors can often find them in cases where patients have struggled with addictive tendencies, these limitations include:
- If the patient struggles with addictive; tendencies, they can only be given medication that is inadequate for the pain they are experiencing.
- Legally, a doctor must use caution when they are prescribing medications that are known to be habit-forming. It is also their medical responsibility for them to check a patient's history before prescribing any narcotics or opioids.
- If the pain is severe enough, doctors must balance their concerns for possible addiction to discover effective pain relief. Addiction rehab programs will focus on treating substance abuse while at the same time maximizing patients' physical functions without exasperating the pain.
The Connection Between Pain & Addiction
Known as the "silent epidemic," chronic pain has affected approximately seventy-five million people within the United States. When living with constant pain, it can take over every aspect of a person's life. It often cripples them physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. It can cause depression, isolation, and even suicidal ideation. Many people, including veterans, will turn to opioids to treat pain effectively; however, this can be a substantial risk factor.
While opioids are classified as prescription drugs, they are highly addictive. It is relatively easy for the patient to use them to slip into an addiction. Although doctors monitor their patients for the possibility of substance abuse via urine samples, this has proven to be ineffective testing as many continue with their addiction.
Alternatives to Pain Medication
Treatment centers can help patients detox from their physical dependence on opioids while using alternative methods to help with pain management. An initial assessment will be done to determine a patient's pain levels and develop a specific treatment plan that addresses their individual needs. This will include:
Non-Addictive Medication-Assisted Treatment
Individual and Group Therapy:
Physical Activity
Complimentary Treatments
Addiction Rehab & Pain Management Programs for Veterans
Detox
The first step after entering a rehab program is the detoxification process. Patients will go through the withdrawal period under the supervision of clinicians and doctors. Medical professionals will be able to monitor the patient's pain levels and intervene if necessary. Patients who struggle with chronic pain can be given medications such as buprenorphine that mimic the effects of opioid drugs but to a lesser degree.
Medication Management
The right type of medication being administered under the supervision of a medical professional can provide relief for chronic pain. However, the effect of opioid and narcotic prescription medications do not provide long-term relief. This is part of the risk caused by prescription medication; people with chronic pain will take increased doses at a faster pace without thinking of the consequences. At addiction centers, doctors can help manage the intake of medication and provide other alternatives for the patient to help with the pain.
Physical Therapy
There are many types of chronic pain conditions that can be improved by implementing physical therapy. These include fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, injuries, back and neck pain. Several rehab centers employ physical therapists to help with pain management. Using different strategies such as movement therapy, exercise, joint manipulation, electrical stimulation, ice, and heat can significantly decrease the pain the patient experiences. Physical therapists will also apply preventative measures and exercises to help patients maintain long-term pain relief.
Complementary Therapy Treatments
Complementary or alternative therapies are often used to treat a variety of chronic disabilities, not just pain. These evidence-based practices, such as behavioral therapies, meditation, and relaxation techniques, help patients prevent relapse into old habits once they leave rehab.
Joint Commission Accredited
Dr. Paul By The Sea is fully credentialed and licensed in the state of Florida by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO). JCAHO is unanimously considered the gold standard of addiction treatment by industry professionals. Knowing that the facility has obtained this certification should be a top priority for individuals to look at when researching to find the right inpatient or outpatient treatment facility for them.
We dedicate our facilities and treatment methods to ensuring that we provide the best available recovery options while maintaining professional levels of care. Please contact us today and hear how our caring staff of experts use their experience to implement evidence-based treatments to make sure each of our patients receives the most effective treatment regimens.
The Connection Between Pain & Addiction
Chronic pain is challenging to deal with daily; understandably, you would want to do everything possible to lessen the discomfort. The pain management program in St. Augustine allows you to overcome your addiction to opioids and narcotics while at the same time learning effective ways to manage your pain without decreasing your quality of life. At Dr. Paul’s By The Sea, we are dedicated to helping you live the best life possible. Our detox and therapy practices will give you the tools you need to handle stressful and triggering situations. Our complementary therapy treatments will provide you with real solutions to chronic pain and teach you a healthy way of managing your symptoms.
If you or a loved one suffer from chronic pain and have fallen into substance use, contact us today. Our administrative team can answer any questions you have and help you towards your first steps of recovery.