DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE AND PAIN

Humans go beyond borders to
obtain relief of their pain. Sometimes that means
doing drugs and consuming alcohol and liquor. The relief, unfortunately,
is shortlived and when the physical pain is relieved, the emotional
pain can be taxing. Coping with chronic pain by using illicit drug and
drinking alcohol is a losing battle.
It will temporarily “fix the problem” but will damage several other
areas.
This is in addition to the deleterious effects of alcohol and drugs such
as Heroin and Cocaine on health, the brain, and the heart. Also there
is evidence these interfere with pain medications and complicate things
with your physician. Remember you signed a pain agreement stating you
will not use any illicit substances or alcohol.


The negative effects of addiction are long lasting, if the patient
over-lives that.
Addiction is defined as a pathological, almost obsessive-compulsive
disorder, where you know these substances cause harm you, nevertheless,
you continue using them despite the presence of adequate pain relief and
analgesia. Addiction is not as common as we may think. Using more
medications does not mean the patient is addicted: increased use of pain
medications because the patient has now increased physical activity, or
there is recurrence of the disease causing worsening of the pain, may
justify increasing pain medications.


To cope with pain, street drugs are never a good idea. The patient will develop
tolerance, and he/she will need more and more drugs to achieve the same initial
effect of relief.


There has been significant debate about the medicinal use for marijuana for pain
relief and in chronic illness, such as in cancer and with chemotherapy. The
controversy that is ongoing. For now it is not legal to use it.


Some of the negative effects of drugs and alcohol, other than health
problems and financial ruin, fatigue, confusion, loss of interest in
usual hobbies or people,
emotional flatness, memory issues, interference with sleep, and
increasing
irritability and anger. Homicide, suicide and auto accidents are higher
as well.


How to Resolve Drug/Alcohol Abuse:

1. If you suspect drug or alcohol abuse, get help as soon as possible. Consult
   your physician or a psychologist, AA, or the county for further help.
   
2. ‘Detoxification’ is an integral part of the treatment; the sooner, the better.
   
3. Avoid encouraging the use of medication for pain relief or for other effects:
   e.g., sedation, sleep, or ‘relaxation’
   
4. Avoid the use of “prn medications” and use medications that are long-acting.
   This can be done with consultation of your physician.
   
5. Invest your time in constructive things rather than destructive habits.
   
6. Learn coping skills and relaxation techniques.
   
7. Improve your spirituality and fill in the blanks in your personality and life.
   

Regards
Bilal Shanti

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