The Link Between Chronic Pain and Addiction

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When Pain Becomes More Than Physical

Living with chronic pain can feel like a never-ending struggle. Whether caused by injury, illness, or an unknown source, persistent pain often wears down both the body and the spirit. For many, the quest for relief leads to the use of prescription medications like opioids—or even alcohol and other substances. Over time, that reliance can spiral into something much more serious: addiction.

At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we understand the deep connection between chronic pain and addiction. Our treatment programs are designed to address both issues at their core—because true healing must treat the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as physical discomfort that lasts longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which typically resolves with time or treatment, chronic pain persists—sometimes indefinitely. It can stem from conditions like:

• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Nerve damage
• Back injuries
• Migraines
• Autoimmune disorders
• Post-surgical complications

The physical pain is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress. When the suffering feels unmanageable, people naturally seek out ways to numb it.

How Pain Relief Can Lead to Addiction

Prescription medications—especially opioids—are commonly used to manage chronic pain. Drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine can be effective short-term, but they come with a high risk of dependency. Here’s how the cycle often starts:

1. Prescription Use: A doctor prescribes painkillers to manage chronic discomfort.
2. Tolerance Builds: Over time, the body requires higher doses to achieve the same effect.
3. Dependence Develops: The person begins needing the drug to function or avoid withdrawal.
4. Addiction Takes Hold: Use becomes compulsive, even when it causes harm or no longer relieves pain.

This progression isn’t always obvious. Many people with addiction to painkillers began by following a doctor’s instructions. The transition from medical use to substance abuse can be subtle—and fast.

Emotional Toll of Chronic Pain

Pain doesn’t just affect the body; it affects mental and emotional well-being. It’s common for people with chronic pain to experience:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hopelessness
• Isolation
• Loss of identity or purpose

These feelings can increase the desire to self-medicate, especially when pain relief is inconsistent or unavailable. In many cases, people start using alcohol, sedatives, or illegal drugs in addition to—or instead of—prescription medications.

Without intervention, this cycle of emotional pain and substance misuse deepens over time.

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction in Pain Patients

It can be difficult to distinguish between someone responsibly managing pain and someone misusing medication. Here are signs that chronic pain and addiction may be co-occurring:

• Running out of medication early
• Visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions (“doctor shopping”)
• Mixing painkillers with alcohol or other drugs
• Increasing doses without medical approval
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Using medication not just for pain, but to cope with emotions

If these signs are present, it’s important to seek professional help. Treating one issue without addressing the other is rarely effective.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment

At Mississippi DATC, we recognize that treating addiction without addressing chronic pain—or vice versa—doesn’t work. That’s why we offer integrated treatment designed to manage both.

What Our Integrated Care Includes:

• Medical Detox: For those dependent on opioids, alcohol, or sedatives, supervised detox helps manage withdrawal safely.
• Chronic Pain Assessment: We evaluate the source of your pain and coordinate care with medical professionals as needed.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Non-addictive medications can help reduce cravings while managing pain.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients reframe how they respond to pain and stress.
• Physical Therapy & Movement: Gentle, personalized activity plans that support recovery.
• Alternative Therapies: Massage, mindfulness, and acupuncture may be used to reduce pain naturally.
• Dual Diagnosis Support: We treat co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or anxiety alongside addiction.

This whole-person approach not only improves outcomes—it gives patients the tools to live with less pain and more control.

Learning to Live Beyond Pain

One of the most powerful transformations we see at Mississippi DATC is when clients realize they can live meaningful lives, even with chronic pain. Recovery doesn’t always mean being pain-free—but it does mean being free from the chaos and danger of addiction.

Our team works with each person to:

• Build a custom pain management plan
• Teach stress management and emotional resilience
• Rebuild relationships damaged by substance use
• Create a future grounded in health and stability

Healing is not just possible—it’s happening every day at our facility in Biloxi.

You’re Not Alone—Help Is Here

If you or a loved one is caught in the cycle of chronic pain and addiction, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center provides compassionate, medically-informed care that respects your experience and offers real solutions.

We’re here to help you break the cycle, manage your pain in healthier ways, and rebuild your life—step by step. Call now to speak with the MSDATC family!

(855) 334-6120
MississippiDATC.com
13251 Reece Bergeron Road, Biloxi, MS 39532