Addiction Prevention Tactics When You Need a Medical Procedure
Sometimes, a medical procedure or surgery is unavoidable and required for you to maintain your physical health. If you are a recovering addict or are just worried about the possibility of addiction with opioids, there are ways to protect yourself from the risk of addiction to the pain medications that are prescribed. At Thrive N’ Beat Addiction, it is our goal to provide information and resources that will best help you to live the healthy life that you deserve. Addiction prevention is part of that goal and we know that your concerns are valid.
Contact our team at Thrive N’ Beat Addiction if you are struggling. We will help you find the San Bernardino addiction and detox resources that you need.
What to Ask Your Doctor Pre-Surgery
It is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor before your procedure, so that he or she can best help you remain sober and protect the integrity of your health. There are several questions to ask your doctor regarding avoiding addiction post-surgery, these include:
- Are opioids necessary for pain relief after my surgery?
- Are there alternative pain management options that will be sufficient?
- Can I opt for local anesthesia, nerve block or other form of pain management?
- Will hot and cold therapy help with pain management?
Discuss with your doctor the ways that you can ease the pain during recovery, alternative medicine options, supplements and other natural ways to help work through the pain. Don’t forget to be honest with your doctor about how active you will be, how much alcohol you consume or any other activity or consumption that may affect the pain management plan.
When Opioids Are Needed: Avoiding Abuse
If your doctor believes that opioids are the best option for pain management for your procedure, there are still ways to help prevent addiction. You can request that the doctor prescribe the lowest amount of pills necessary to manage pain for the first three days. Unless the doctor specifically designates a longer time period, taking the prescription for three days or less is advised, as addiction can for after three days.
During those first days after surgery, when pain is highest, try to take the lowest dose needed to lessen the pain to a tolerable level. Opioids are typically meant to control and lessen extreme, short term pain, like the pain associated with the immediate days after a surgical procedure. Be sure to speak with your doctor about how to stop opioid use once the first days are behind you, as some prescriptions can be harder to wean off of than others. Tapering down the dose as you stop taking the medication can be helpful so the pain is more tolerable during the healing process.
Relaxation Techniques and Pain Management
Remember, there are alternative ways to make it through painful moments that may be beneficial. Breath work and relaxation techniques are often quite helpful and can be discussed with your doctor. If your goal is to avoid opioid abuse, consider all alternative options rather than relying on the opioid prescription for your pain management. Ask about options and access to practices such as physical therapy and yoga for recovery, if your surgery is one that involves muscle or back pain. If you need help, now is the time to ask. Your future is worth the extra discussion now.