Alternatives to opioid treatments

Are you concerned about your use of opioid pain medication? Is it no longer helping with your pain? Are you worried about possible withdrawal?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that more Americans use prescription painkillers than use tobacco products.

With these opiate medications come side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, mental fogginess, constipation and simply not feeling like yourself. These side effects can take their toll on you, your relationships and your life — but there is hope!

Did you know there are 200 medications used for pain and only 20 are opioids? There are other options out there! Some examples include over-the-counter options, anti-depressant meds, topical creams and more. See the examples below for a full list.

So what are your alternatives then? CentraCare Neurosciences Pain Center can help you transition from opioid pain medications comfortably — even if you have been on opioids for a very long time — and still have pain relief. We also use other therapies such as physical therapy and movement, and offer support from other people living with chronic pain at our Shared Medical Appointments.

If you are interested, talk with your primary care provider about a referral.