The CDC recognizes that pain management is a challenge for health care providers and patients. In the United States, chronic pain affects more people (more than 100 million) than cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease combined. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the direct cost of care and productivity loss caused by chronic pain is $600 billion annually. In addition, inequalities in access to pain care contribute to less-than-ideal patient care.
How can Connecticut Addiction Medicine help my chronic pain?
More than twenty-five years ago, it became more common to prescribe opioids to treat chronic pain. We now know that opioids can be addictive, and the risk from long-term use far outweighs the potential benefits. At Connecticut Addiction Medicine, we believe that many patients with chronic pain can benefit from transitioning off the usual opioid therapy to a combination of Suboxone® and ancillary non-opioid medications. Suboxone® has the following advantages compared to usual opioid therapy:
- No significant adverse effects
- No risk of misuse or overdose
- No development of tolerance
- Proven to be more effective than traditional chronic opioids.
Is an addiction treatment provider the right place to get help for chronic pain?
Coming to Connecticut Addiction Medicine for chronic pain does not mean that you are addicted to a substance. Our goal is to help you address your chronic pain in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Because we also treat Substance Abuse Disorders, we offer truly individualized, multidimensional patient care in a manner that prevents future addiction. We work with you to address more than just the physical manifestation of the pain.
Don’t just take our word for it. From a patient:
I called this facility for pain management, which I did not know they could treat unless you are addicted. A very nice woman on the telephone noted that they do in fact treat people who are not addicted for pain management. Scared to do this, I went ahead, I sat with [the doctor] for maybe a half hour. She did not label me. I was there for pain management and that’s what I received. It’s been nearly 6 months, and my pain is successfully treated. I always get a hello when I come to the office, never had a long wait, nor do I feel like less of a person. I no longer need to spend money on medications that no longer worked. So call, make the step.
What should I do next to get help with my chronic pain?
Don’t wait until you develop an addiction to transition off traditional opioids. Instead, connect with one of our offices to schedule your first appointment and take the first steps to better pain management.