Managing Pain and Coexisting Disorders: Using the Addiction-Free Pain Management System
By Dr. Stephen F. Grinstead
Managing chronic pain can be a very challenging process, but it becomes even more difficult when a coexisting addictive disorder is also present. Historically, pain disorders and addictive disorders have been treated as separate issues. Pain clinics experience immense success in treating many chronic pain conditions. Chemical dependency treatment is successful in treating addictive disorders. However, the effectiveness of either of these modalities is considerably reduced when the person is suffering from both conditions, as well as other coexisting problems that occur as a direct result of the pain and/or addictive disorder.With the proper treatment plan and positive support, patients with chronic pain and coexisting disorders can have successful treatment outcomes. They can become proactive participants in their healing process instead of being a passive recipient. This shift allows pain patients to become empowered and enables them to experience a better quality of life.