Mastering Pain Management: Tools for Recovery and Well-being
Accepting the pain exists and identifying the things you can control and preferably that are good- you can control your stress, you can control what you eat, you can control your sleep habits, and there's a lot of those things that people can control.
Pain can be a relentless companion, disrupting sleep and fueling frustration, anxiety, and depression. But what if there were practical ways to manage it, especially if you're in recovery from substance use disorder? In this episode of the 'Counselor Toolbox Podcast', Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, sharing various methods to tackle pain without relying solely on medication.
From non-pharmacological interventions like mindfulness and physical therapy to medical options such as transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation, Dr. Snipes covers it all. She also delves into how chronic pain affects different aspects of life—mood, social relationships, work environment—and offers actionable advice on managing these impacts. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or struggling with self-esteem issues? Dr. Snipes provides practical guidance on these fronts too, along with strategies to cope with grief and loss.
This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone grappling with pain and looking for effective ways to manage it while maintaining sobriety. Whether you're a counselor seeking new tools or someone personally affected by chronic pain, you'll find valuable insights and support here. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your life from the clutches of pain and build a more balanced, fulfilling future.