Dealing With Drug Abuse and Addiction After Surgery

Women facing drug abuse and addiction after surgery are not alone. Surgery and recovery take a great toll on the body and requiring assistance to manage the pain after any procedure is normal, especially those that are invasive and involve extensive healing.

As you ride out the storm of an operation, prescription medication may seem like a lifesaver. The problems often arise later, when your system becomes dependent on the drug in order to function. In other cases, your pain may become chronic, persisting indefinitely after a surgical procedure. You may find yourself caught in a vicious cycle, living with the pain, needing the pills, and longing for freedom from both.

Help Could Be Waiting For You

Dealing with drug abuse and addiction after surgery without a support system can be very difficult. If possible, turning to caring friends, family, or community members might help to ease your burden. You could join a support group where people in similar situations meet to discuss their problems and possible solutions.

 Staying in close communication with your doctor and explaining the difficulties you are facing will help you seek the right kind of treatment. Remember to ask for help if you need it; it doesn't make you weak, and it might even make you stronger.

If you do develop a dependency on prescription medications, consider your options for drug abuse and addiction treatment. A qualified addiction professional may be able to gradually wean you off of your medication through a variety of approaches.

 If constant pain is at the heart of the matter, physical therapy, massage, or another procedure may be the answer. If one solution doesn't work, try looking for different pain management options. Remember to work with your healthcare professionals as a team.

Combat Drug Abuse and Addiction as a Team

A specialist or treatment center that focuses on prescription drug abuse and addiction can help you and should be an integral part of your recovery team. Surround yourself with supportive people, and try to reduce contact with harmful ones, even if it is difficult. You may have to make a big change in your day-to-day life in order to beat addiction, and keeping good people in your life can help you do it.

Don't be afraid of a residential style treatment program. The stereotype of a drug abuser is just that- a stereotype. You may be surprised at how many women from various backgrounds there are in a treatment program.

If you or a woman you love is having problems with drug abuse and addiction after surgery, a drug abuse and addiction treatment program for women may be the answer. Remember that recovery from drug abuse and addiction means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support.

Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP is the President and CEO of Destination Hope, a licensed dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields, which led him to develop a combination of innovative treatment protocols at Destination Hope.

 He has been published on various topics including dual diagnosis and chemical dependency, and gives back to the community by educating other addiction counselors at his Academy for Addiction Professionals.

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