Overcoming Medication Dependency and Addiction as a Cancer Patient

Pain medications may be necessary for those suffering from pain due to an illness, such as cancer, or those recovering from an injury or surgery. Many pain medications carry an increased risk of developing a dependency or addiction. This risk is further increased if you have struggled with substance abuse dependency in your past. There are several things you can do to lessen the likelihood that you will abuse or develop an addiction to your pain medication.

Tell your doctor of any history of substance abuse or addiction. It is imperative that you carefully follow your doctor’s orders for your medication exactly. Do not take doses that are larger than prescribed or take the medication more frequently than prescribed. Take the medication whole. Crushing or breaking pills can change the way the body absorbs the medication. Know the possible side effects and when to notify your doctor. Do not mix your medication with alcohol or other drugs, including over the counter drugs, without checking with your doctor.

Medical supervision for pain management may be needed for people who live with chronic or long-term pain, such as patients with mesothelioma. This aggressive form of cancer often calls for palliative measures. With a mesothelioma life expectancy often only being one to two years, pain management becomes critical.

Pain medication is generally safe for use and effective at managing pain when used as directed. When it is not used as directed, it can cause serious problems, including death. Medication monitoring, combined with learning skills to help you cope with your pain can help prevent addiction. The Mayo Clinic recommends therapy to help patients deal with the mental aspects of their diagnosis and to adjust to living with chronic pain.

Managing your pain medication can be a lot to handle on your own. Most communities have pain management clinics available. These clinics have medical professionals that can give you the time and attention you need to feel safe, comfortable and confident with your pain management plan. Therapists can help you deal with the psychological aspects of living with severe pain and help you develop strategies and tools to cope.

If you are already struggling with a dependency to pain medication, they can help you overcome it. A drug detox period may be necessary to get the medication out of your system. The clinic staff will work with your medical team to find a way to keep you comfortable without dependency. You don’t need to worry about being able to manage your pain alone.