Dawn Farm

Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series

Dawn Farm

  • Safe and Effective Management of Pain and Addiction - January 2019

Safe and Effective Management of Pain and Addiction - January 2019

Sunday 10th March 2019

Experts Carl Christensen and Mark Weiner discuss managing chronic pain safely while addressing addiction in this informative episode.
68 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Supportive
Educational

About this podcast

Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series
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Dawn Farm
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Balancing Pain Relief and Addiction: Strategies from Experts

Both chronic pain and substance use disorders are major public health challenges, and treating concurrent pain and substance addiction is especially challenging.
Managing chronic pain when you’re also battling addiction is no small feat. In this enlightening episode of the Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series, Dr. Carl Christensen and Dr. Mark Weiner tackle this tough topic head-on. With around 100 million Americans grappling with chronic pain and 10% having faced substance use disorders, finding a safe way to manage pain without triggering relapse is crucial. Dr.
Christensen, a clinical associate professor at Wayne State University, kicks things off by highlighting the delicate balance required in treating patients with both chronic pain and substance use disorders. He delves into how common prescribing practices can inadvertently lead to relapse and fuel the opioid crisis. Dr. Weiner, also a D-FASAM, adds depth to the discussion by addressing the fears and stigma that surround addiction medicine.
The conversation then shifts to new opioid laws, which require informed consent and drug testing. While these measures aim to curb addiction, Dr. Christensen argues they might not be foolproof. The episode also explores alternative pain management methods, including the cautious use of cannabis and the risks associated with sedatives. Long-term use of buprenorphine is another hot topic. Dr.
Christensen stresses that stopping buprenorphine too soon often leads to relapse, pointing out the lack of solid studies on optimal duration for its use. Dr. Weiner rounds out the episode by discussing genetic predispositions for addiction and the concept of 'recovery capital'—the resources needed for sustained recovery. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights, making it a must-listen for anyone dealing with chronic pain and addiction, or supporting someone who is.
From new laws to alternative treatments and relapse prevention strategies, Dr. Christensen and Dr. Weiner offer a comprehensive guide to navigating these intertwined challenges.