People struggling with chronic discomfort may be worried about developing dependency on heavy narcotics prescribed to them by their doctors. These people may deal with chronic pain due to various conditions, including arthritis and fibromyalgia. Painkiller alternatives can provide a safer option for those seeking relief than traditional opioid-based pain relievers. Unfortunately, painkiller alternatives—such as non-opioid painkillers, supplements, and therapies—still present challenges. Additionally, many pain management therapies are often not covered by insurance plans. Call 833.551.2304 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate team at Gulf Breeze Recovery about alternatives to opioid painkillers prevalent in the United States and our substance abuse treatment options in Florida.
What Are Common Opioid Painkillers?
Opioid painkillers are medications generally prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Common opioid painkillers include the following:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
Though they can be effective pain relievers, these drugs can have a high potential for abuse and dependency if taken too frequently or in large doses. This makes finding an alternative painkiller even more critical.
What Are Common Opioid Painkiller Alternatives?
Although it may surprise some, doctors did not always prescribe heavy narcotics to manage pain. Before the opioid painkiller trend began in the nineties, doctors often expected patients to try several alternative therapies before relying on heavy narcotics, such as:
- Changing one’s diet
- Increasing exercise
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Non-opioid painkillers
- Acupuncture or other holistic treatments
- Mind-body techniques such as biofeedback and relaxation training
Non-opioid painkillers include pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Additionally, doctors may suggest supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), or omega-3 fatty acids to help manage pain.
However, in the United States, it has become increasingly common for doctors to prescribe opioid painkillers before considering painkiller alternatives. This trend has resulted in an epidemic of painkiller abuse and overdose deaths. Before relying on heavy painkillers, ask your doctor about painkiller alternatives. These options are still available, yet doctors nowadays rely on addictive narcotics to cover up the pain. Many people are asking why this is the case, especially as the death toll from prescription painkiller overdose continues to rise.
What Are Some Challenges to Relying on Opioid Painkiller Alternatives?
Some doctors point out that other factors prevent them from prescribing alternatives to pain medication. Insurance plans readily pay for opioid painkillers but may not pay for preventative or therapeutic therapy as quickly as they cover prescription drugs.
Patients also may express that they do not have the time or the money to partake in these alternative solutions to their pain. Physicians also resist using the monitoring system, stating that it takes too long to enter the information and consult before writing prescriptions. Most physicians only get paid for their procedures, and consulting the monitoring tool takes up valuable time and money for most doctors. This is a sad statement about the condition of mainstream healthcare. Patients’ well-being takes a backseat to profits.
The problem isn’t isolated to only one state, as prescription drug abuse has become a nationwide epidemic. Conscious decisions from healthcare providers can help make a tremendous change in preventing substance abuse problems with painkillers and other medications.
Find Prescription Painkiller Abuse Treatment in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery
If you or someone you love is struggling with painkiller abuse, Gulf Breeze Recovery can help. Our comprehensive painkiller abuse treatment program in Florida offers a variety of therapies and treatments to help people overcome painkiller abuse and move forward into a healthier lifestyle. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304 to learn more about our prescription drug abuse treatment options and how we can help you or your loved one find pain relief.