How Detox Centers Help Chronic Pain Patients Detox from Painkillers

Opioid painkillers can be highly addictive, and are usually prescribed to treat chronic pain on a short-term basis. It’s not uncommon for many chronic pain patients to become physically dependent on painkillers, especially if they’ve been using painkillers for longer than generally recommended, or have abused their medication. While detoxing from painkillers is necessary to overcome addiction, how is the process handled for patients suffering chronic pain?

If you’re suffering from opioid addiction and need help getting clean, call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring drug abuse counselor about your options for local drug detox centers.

What is Detoxification from Painkillers?

When you’re addicted to painkillers, detoxification is necessary to help you overcome physical dependency on the these drugs. Detoxification, or detox, is the process of eliminating opioids from your body so you no longer rely on these drugs to function on a daily basis without experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms. When it comes to opioid addiction, detox can be performed one of several ways.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Acupuncture may be offered at some detox centers to alleviate pain.

If your goal is to quit painkillers for good and seek alternate treatments for chronic pain, you may be prescribed medications that allow you to quit using painkillers without experiencing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

This approach, known as medication-assisted treatment, involves the use of FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications help you withdraw from painkillers as safely and comfortable as possible so you face fewer health risks and a lower risk for relapse throughout addiction treatment.

Tapering

If your physician has suggested you stay on painkillers to continue managing and treating chronic pain, your detox may be conducted in the form of tapering. Tapering is when your doctor gradually reduces your dosage of painkillers over time until you’re no longer using high doses or abusing the medication. Tapering can also be used to help you withdraw from painkillers if you plan on quitting completely.

Medical Detox

Medical detox is often conducted under close supervision by medical staff to ensure you make it through withdrawal safely without being at risk for serious complications.

If you’re quitting painkillers cold turkey, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms that put your overall health at risk. Many times, medical staff will prescribe one or more medications to treat certain withdrawal symptoms and make your recovery more comfortable.

Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain

If you’ve become addicted to painkillers after using them to manage chronic pain, your doctor may suggest quitting painkillers altogether and seek alternative treatments. Examples of effective alternative treatments for chronic pain are acupuncture, relaxation therapies, and electrical stimulation.

When researching drug detox centers, look for facilities that integrate alternative therapies with addiction treatment. These drug rehab centers can help you overcome physical dependency on opioids while also teaching you new, healthy ways to manage chronic pain that don’t involve painkillers.

Are you struggling with addiction and aren’t sure where to turn for help? Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to consult with a drug abuse counselor about local drug detox centers devoted to helping you get clean and achieve sobriety.