Are you a recovering addict that requires pain medications? Suffering an injury can be especially troubling for a patient that has been sober from opiate and opioids for many years. While the patient might want to avoid the temptations and addictions that can come with opiates and opioids use, sometimes the use of pain medications are necessary. If you are currently struggling with this dilemma, you will find the following tips helpful.
Consult with your physician
If your physician can prescribe you opiates and opioids for pain management, it is important to learn more about them. Inform your physician of your recent addiction and inquire if there are any less addictive substances that can reduce your pain, but also reduce the chances of addiction. Your physician can also provide you with information regarding the addictive likeliness of each type of opiates and opioids. They can also help you to weigh the pros and cons and to decide if the pain management medications are necessary.
Contact your support sponsor
If you went through a support group, it was likely that you had a sponsor. If you have been sober for many years, you might not keep in touch with your sponsor. However, if you are worried about taking pain medications, now is a good time to get back in touch with them. If you still have access to the support groups, you might want to plan a couple of sessions. Simply taking the medications does not mean that you will become addicted to them, however, it is always best to take preventative measures. The Surgeon General states that alcohol and drug abuse costs the economy over $740 billion per year.
Understand the possibility of addiction even without the medications
You also might think that you are doing the right thing by turning down the prescription medications. However, if you are in a lot of pain, it is possible that you will attempt to self medicate in another way. Self medicating with illegal drugs or alcohol can also lead to an addiction. This type of an addiction can be more difficult to overcome because there is no one to monitor your use. When you fill a prescription, you can only fill as much as the physician writes. If they are aware of the possibility of an addiction, they are unlikely to continue filling after the injury.
Sign up for voluntarily drug screenings
Drug testing can force you to be responsible for your medication intake. Your physician will only prescribe the pain pills for a specified amount of time. Scheduling a drug testing visit after the use of these medications will encourage you to stop them when you are supposed to. You also might be aware of upcoming career drug tests. In 2015, over 9.5 million urine drug tests were positive among the U.S. workforce. A positive urine drug analysis can risk your career and your sobriety. Some employers are even moving toward blood drug test opiates and opioids because they show drug use for longer periods.
Better understand the genetics of addiction
Understanding the science and genetics around addiction can help you prepare for and prevent it. Four processes take place once a drug has been administered, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. A person?s genetics can determine how their body functions during these processes. Understanding your individual genetics and how to handle drugs, both legal and illegal, can help you understand your need. It can prevent you from overtaking and can help you beat the addiction.
Achieving sobriety, from either drugs or alcohol is a big deal. It takes a lot of work and self motivation. However, there are many things that can compromise your sobriety, including a prescription of pain pills for a legitimate injury. You can get through your need for pain pills by preparing for and understanding the addiction process. With a little work and routine support, you can alleviate your pain, without throwing your sobriety out.