When Pain and Addiction Overlap
For many individuals, the road to addiction begins with physical pain. A back injury, a surgery, or a chronic illness may lead to prescription painkillers. Over time, what starts as medical treatment can spiral into dependency. The link between addiction and chronic pain is complex—and deeply misunderstood.
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we specialize in treating individuals who are caught between managing pain and battling substance use. With the right approach, it’s possible to address both issues and reclaim control over your life.
How Chronic Pain Leads to Addiction
Pain is exhausting. When you live with daily discomfort, your body and mind become worn down. Prescription opioids—like oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine—are often prescribed to ease that suffering. But these medications also activate the brain’s reward center, triggering feelings of euphoria.
Over time, your body builds a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. As dependency grows, so does the risk of addiction.
Common Pathways to Addiction:
- Long-term use of prescribed opioids
- Increasing doses without medical approval
- Using medication for emotional relief
- Doctor shopping or seeking refills early
- Turning to illicit substances when prescriptions run out
Without proper monitoring and pain management strategies, the line between pain relief and addiction can blur quickly.
The Double Burden: Pain and Shame
One of the most difficult parts of dealing with addiction and chronic pain is the stigma. Many people feel ashamed to ask for help. They worry they’ll be labeled drug-seeking or told their pain isn’t real. This fear keeps people trapped in silence—unable to get the help they need for either issue.
At Mississippi DATC, we understand that pain is real, and addiction is not a moral failure. You deserve care that addresses the full picture—not just part of it.
Pain as a Trigger for Substance Use
Even for those who begin recovery, unmanaged pain can trigger relapse. Imagine doing everything right—attending therapy, building support systems, staying sober—only to be hit with unbearable pain that brings cravings roaring back.
That’s why effective addiction treatment must include a strategy for pain management. Ignoring pain won’t make it go away—but managing it safely can reduce the risk of returning to substance use.
Non-Opioid Pain Management Options
A key part of treating co-occurring addiction and chronic pain is offering alternatives to addictive medications. At Mississippi DATC, we develop customized pain management plans that avoid or limit opioid use whenever possible.
Alternative Pain Relief Methods:
- Physical therapy: Helps strengthen the body and reduce inflammation
- Acupuncture: Stimulates natural pain relief through nerve pathways
- Massage therapy: Alleviates muscle tension and improves circulation
- Chiropractic care: Supports joint alignment and posture improvement
- Mindfulness and meditation: Enhances body awareness and pain tolerance
- Non-opioid medications: NSAIDs, antidepressants, and nerve-blocking agents
These options may not completely eliminate pain, but they can significantly reduce it while minimizing risk.
The Role of Mental Health in Pain and Addiction
Pain isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Depression, anxiety, and trauma often accompany chronic pain, increasing the likelihood of substance use.
People who live with chronic pain may feel isolated, hopeless, or overwhelmed. These emotional states can drive the urge to numb out or self-medicate. In turn, addiction increases sensitivity to pain, creating a vicious cycle.
Treating underlying mental health conditions is essential to addressing both addiction and chronic pain. At Mississippi DATC, dual diagnosis treatment is built into every level of care to support true healing.
Comprehensive Treatment for Addiction and Chronic Pain
Effective treatment requires a coordinated, integrated approach. At Mississippi DATC, we offer a variety of evidence-based therapies that support both physical and emotional recovery.
Our Integrated Services Include:
- Medically supervised detox: Ensures safe withdrawal with pain support
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Uses medications like Suboxone to reduce cravings
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe thoughts and manage triggers
- Trauma therapy: Addresses past experiences that amplify pain or addiction
- Individual and group therapy: Builds resilience and support
- Chronic pain management counseling: Provides tools for daily coping without substances
Our clinicians understand the unique needs of individuals who suffer from both conditions—and our treatment plans reflect that depth of care.
What Recovery Looks Like with Chronic Pain
Recovery doesn’t always mean living without pain—but it does mean learning to live well despite it. You don’t have to choose between staying sober and managing discomfort. With the right tools, it’s possible to do both.
We help clients:
- Reclaim confidence in their bodies
- Navigate life’s stressors without self-medicating
- Communicate pain needs without shame or fear
- Embrace routines that promote physical and emotional wellness
Why Mississippi DATC?
Located in Biloxi, Mississippi DATC offers compassionate, individualized care for people struggling with addiction and chronic pain. We believe in healing the whole person—not just treating symptoms.
Whether you’re coming off prescription opioids or seeking support for pain-related relapse, our experienced team is ready to guide you. You don’t have to suffer alone, and you don’t have to choose between pain relief and sobriety.
Reclaim Your Life with Expert Care
Pain may be part of your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future. At Mississippi DATC, we’ll help you manage discomfort in healthy ways while supporting your recovery every step of the way. Connect with our team today, and begin your path to sobriety!
(855) 334-6120
MississippiDATC.com
13251 Reece Bergeron Road, Biloxi, MS 39532
Understanding Cravings and Triggers in Addiction
