Addicted Pain Syndrome
Addiction Medicine and Chronic Pain Treatment
Pacifica began treating addiction to prescribed
medication for patients with chronic pain
over 20 years ago. During this time we have
learned a great deal about the needs of
this population and treatment techniques
to address both the addiction and the physical
problems driving the demand for relief.
These patients have seven common symptoms
we call the “addicted pain syndrome.”
We have developed a program to address all
the symptoms of this syndrome with the goal
of freeing the patient from dependency on
medications and medical services, and the
development of personal and physical independence
and wellness.
The Addicted Pain Syndrome
The Addicted Pain Syndrome has seven symptoms
that are chronic and repetitive. They are
the following:
- The person has a repetitive pattern
of failed treatments and re-hospitalization
for pain management.
- The person has an abnormally high tolerance
to pain medication, yet gets minimal or
no relief.
- The person has a positive genetic link
to alcoholism or another addiction in
the family of origin
- The person has high probability of a history
of emotional, physical, verbal and/or
sexual abuse that is unresolved.
- The person has a psychological process
of incorporating external stress and internalizing
emotional energy, which magnifies physical
pain.
- The person obsesses on physical symptoms
and chemical relief, often becoming demanding
and belligerent with the caregivers when
denied the desired amount of medications.
- Secondary gains in the family system as
the person takes role of a patient. Family
members dedicate a significant amount
of time taking care of the person, and
relates to the person primarily through
pain dynamics.
Addiction and Chronic pain is a very complicated
issue. Most patient have to make a decision
between the quality of life and medications.
Chronic pain also has an emotional component
that must be treated. It is not just relieving
physical pain.
Henry Maudsley: Body and Mind (1870) wrote
a wonderful phrase related to this
“Sorrow that has not vent in tears
will make other organs weep”
If you or a loved one identify with these
symptoms, please call Pacifica. We can help!!
(626) 813-3771 or (800) 947-3189
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