Often when we go to the doctor, the first option for pain relief is medication. If you are recovering from addiction, however, this is probably not the best option for you. Even if pain medication was not your substance of choice, it could still be considered risky. You will want to weigh all of your options, thinking about all of the risks and benefits before deciding to take pain medication.
Fortunately, there are many different natural pain relief methods and treatments that are just as effective as medication, without the high risk for those in recovery. Many refer to these natural relief options as “holistic” treatment methods. “Holistic” simply means that the treatment method you are choosing is all-natural and does not involve prescription medication such as opioids, antidepressants, or over-the-counter medications that have the potential for abuse. Holistic approaches look at the whole person in treatment, referring to their physical, mental, and spiritual health.
If you struggle with chronic pain, there are different types of natural or holistic pain management methods that may help you adjust to a life of sobriety without prescribed pain medication.
If these suggestions do not work for you, remember that many doctors and mental health professionals specialize in holistic treatment and offer recommendations to help you manage your pain best.
Yoga
Many different studies have shown yoga to be an activity that is beneficial to both the mind and the body. Several different yoga styles help with various problems, such as managing chronic pain, low back pain, finding peace and well-being, and connecting with spiritual principles.
Massage Therapy
When massage therapy is provided to you by a professional, it can help relieve stress and tension as well as muscle and joint pain. It can even help those in recovery get better sleep. When working with a massage therapist, the therapist can tailor a treatment plan to fit exactly your needs. Be open and honest about what you are struggling with and about your past experiences. They will not judge you for your past. The more honest and open you are, the better they will be able to help you.
Physical Therapy
As someone in recovery, you may need to look into physical therapy to help you manage pain. Physical therapy is an excellent option because you can take this opportunity to learn more about your body. Ask questions about why certain things hurt as they do or why you feel a certain way when you perform certain activities. A physical therapist can combine physical therapy with exercise therapy or heat and cold applications to help you get the maximum benefit possible from your treatment. You will also learn what you can do at home on your own to manage pain in a healthy and productive way.
Mindfulness Meditation
Many professionals argue that those who practice mindfulness meditation find themselves experiencing more pain relief, lower anxiety and depression, and improved mental health than people who don’t have a meditation practice. You probably learned about meditation while journeying through treatment. Meditation is a widespread practice in drug and rehabilitation programs. Making mindfulness meditation a part of your everyday routine will help you find your center and inner peace.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine that was primarily used for pain relief. The process of acupuncture uses small needles to stimulate nerves in the body, which send signals to the brain to release beta-endorphins. These endorphins are the body’s natural form of pain relief. Acupuncture is one of those natural pain management practices that some people swear by, while others claim it does little to help their pain. Learning what works best for you will be essential to managing your chronic pain in a healthy and holistic way.
Individual or Group Counseling
Emotional trauma and physical pain are connected at a profound level. Sometimes it can even be hard to know that what we are feeling. By choosing to go to counseling, you have the opportunity to learn more about what you are experiencing so that you feel knowledgeable and in control of your mind and body.
When we face mental and physical pain, it can be incredibly isolating. Working with others who know and understand what you are going through can be a wonderful and opening experience. You are not alone, and you should never feel alone. Talking with a professional can help you not only mentally but also physically.
For individuals in recovery, managing chronic pain can be challenging. When we go to the doctor, the main form of pain management is typically medication. For some of us, pain medication is simply not the best option. Understanding the risks and the benefits is key to making the best choice for you. Many of us in recovery choose holistic approaches to help us get through any pain that we are experiencing. Options such as massage, acupuncture, counseling, meditation, or physical therapy may be choices for some people to explore. Often we benefit from working with a professional when determining what the best options are for us. Here at The Guest House, we understand that making decisions on how to best manage pain can be stressful and overwhelming. We are here to help you through those situations, regardless of what stage of recovery you are in. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you at (855) 483-7800.