For people recovering from surgery or living with ongoing pain, finding safe ways to manage discomfort is an important part of care. This is because pain can badly affect sleep, movement, and daily activities.
Most of the time, pain management includes medication. However, it is important to note that some pain medications can carry risks of addiction and overdose.
Understanding Pain Management
Pain management looks different for each person. The American Chronic Pain Association encourages people living with pain and their caregivers to take an active role in conversations about pain and treatment.
Depending on the type of pain, healthcare providers may recommend different approaches. These can include medications such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, or opiates. Other options, such as ice packs or certain procedures, may also be used to help control pain.
Talking with a healthcare provider can help determine which options are appropriate and how they should be used.
Pain Medication and Addiction
Some medications used to manage severe pain, including opiates, have addictive properties and can carry a risk of overdose. For this reason, healthcare professionals recommend using opiates cautiously and only for the shortest amount of time needed.
Using other pain management approaches when appropriate may also help reduce the amount of opiate medication a person needs.
Taking medication exactly as prescribed is important. If pain continues or a medication does not seem to be providing enough relief, individuals should speak with their healthcare provider rather than changing how they take the medication on their own.
Safe Use of Pain Medications
Pain medications should always be taken according to a healthcare provider’s instructions. Opiates should not be shared with others or taken for reasons other than pain.
It is also important to understand what medications or substances should not be combined. Taking opiates with alcohol or medications such as sleep aids can have a detrimental effect on one’s body.
Opiates may also cause side effects such as sleepiness, confusion, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and itchiness. Anyone experiencing concerns or unexpected effects should contact their healthcare provider.
What to Do With Unused Pain Medication
Once pain medication is no longer needed, leaving it in the home can create opportunities for accidental use or misuse.
Unused opiates should be removed from the home safely. Take back programs can provide a way to dispose of unused medications. Families can also contact a local pharmacist or use available resources to find an appropriate medication disposal location.
Preventing Medication Misuse
Safe storage is an important part of preventing medication misuse. Pain medications should be kept away from children and young adults.
Medications should also never be shared or borrowed. Even if another person has similar pain, prescription medications should only be used by the person they were prescribed for.
Keeping medications organized can make it easier to follow instructions and know which medications are currently being used.
Supporting Someone Managing Pain at Home
Managing pain at home can require support from family members and caregivers. A caregiver may help with medication reminders, daily activities, transportation, and other routines while a person follows their healthcare provider’s pain management plan.
For families looking for home care assistance, Homewatch CareGivers of Boise provides in-home caregiving support throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and surrounding areas.
Whether someone needs occasional assistance or ongoing support, our caregivers can help make daily routines easier while families remain involved in their loved one’s care.
Homewatch Idaho Contact Number: (208) 273-9308
Homewatch Websites:
Boise: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/boise
Twin Falls: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/twinfalls
Nampa: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/nampa
Pocatello: www.homewatchcaregivers.com/pocatello
We serve the following cities:
Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Mountain Home, Middleton, Parma, Homedale, Twin Falls, Jerome, Buhl, Kimberly, Filer, Wendell, Gooding, Pocatello, Burley, Chubbuck, American Falls, and Blackfoot.