Balancing Pain Management and Sobriety: A Real Talk
Episode Overview
Transparency with healthcare providers is crucial. Accountability helps manage medication use responsibly. Chronic pain requires careful planning and support. Risks associated with cannabis and ketamine prescriptions. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights.
"There was a part of me that got really excited about the idea—a legal relapse. But I absolutely hated it."
Pain management and sobriety can be a tricky combination, but it's a reality many in recovery face. In this episode of Soberful, Veronica Valli and Chip Somers tackle the thorny issue of managing pain without jeopardising sobriety. With nearly 50 years of combined sobriety, Veronica and Chip bring their wealth of experience to the table, sharing personal stories and practical advice on how to handle pain relief responsibly when you're committed to staying sober.
Chip opens up about his own struggles with severe knee pain and the necessity of taking opioids for post-surgery recovery. He candidly discusses the mixed emotions he felt about using morphine—initially seeing it as a 'legal relapse' but ultimately hating the lack of control it brought. Veronica adds depth by discussing how crucial it is to be transparent with your healthcare providers and support network about any medications you might need to take.
The conversation also delves into the importance of having a solid plan for managing pain medication. They stress the need for accountability—whether it’s talking openly with your doctor or being honest with your recovery circle. The episode also touches on the broader implications of pain management in sobriety, such as the potential risks of cannabis and ketamine being prescribed for pain relief. Veronica and Chip don't shy away from the hard truths.
They highlight the fine line between legitimate pain relief and the slippery slope back into addiction. They emphasise that those in recovery must be extra vigilant and discerning when it comes to taking any form of medication. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in recovery facing the challenge of pain management. It's filled with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a good dose of humour to keep things light.
Tune in to understand how you can manage pain without compromising your hard-earned sobriety. So, are you ready to learn how to navigate the tricky waters of pain management while staying true to your sobriety? Dive into this episode of Soberful for invaluable insights and support.