If your pain is acute, such as sudden pain from an accident or broken bone, your doctor may prescribe opioids or other strong painkillers for a few days. If these medications are taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, you should be able to use them on a short-term basis for pain relief.
Managing long-term pain can be more challenging, but it can be done. Your doctor will carefully evaluate the severity of your pain. If addictive medications are prescribed, your doctor should monitor you frequently. He or she may want to work closely with addiction professionals on your treatment plan.
Other tips for following doctor’s orders include:
- Use just one doctor, so that he or she has a thorough understanding of all your health challenges, including the fact that you are in recovery.
- Take medication as prescribed in exactly the dosage prescribed and at set times each day you are on them.
- Stay close to other people in recovery, and be honest with those who are offering you support, such as your sponsor or therapist.
