A new study looked at the relationship between alcohol use and chronic pain. They found that alcohol use and alcohol withdrawal both had a correlation to the amount of chronic pain that someone experienced.
This is a very difficult situation to fully understand because people who suffer from chronic pain are at a higher likelihood to abuse alcohol to help deal with the pain–but abusing alcohol also has the potential to increase the amount of chronic pain that they experience. Unfortunately, this puts those who are already at risk in an even more dangerous situation.
However, the study found that these two types of pain differ by a good deal. Identifying the root cause of the chronic pain that is being experienced can help treatment teams to come up with an effective solution for dealing with that pain. Hopefully, this research can make that more of a reality.
The researchers did not end their article without some suggestions. In fact, because of the correlation between alcohol use and chronic pain, the researchers recommended medication targets to help those struggling with alcohol use to cut down or cease use without also having to see an increase in the chronic pain symptoms that they might be experiencing. Unfortunately, if someone is struggling both with alcohol use and chronic pain–which is quite common–there’s very little incentive to reduce drinking because it is going to be even harder than normal because of the pain.
This study was conducted by the Scripps Research Institute. They published their findings in the British Journal of Pharmacology earlier in April. The hope is that it highlights the complications that arise when attempting to treat chronic pain. There are a lot of different factors that need to be taken into account–alcohol is just one of those many factors.
Chronic pain of any sort can lead to a debilitating life where someone can become dependent upon the needs of another person to get through each day safely. A caregiver–either a professional one or an informal family one–can help to reduce the risk that this exposes someone to. While avoiding chronic pain in general is the best way to proceed, for many people this is no longer an option. Dealing with the consequences of it has become the highest priority.
This is why a talented team of professional caregivers is so important. Having a team that understands the needs that come with chronic pain–or whatever else your loved one might be dealing with–is an essential component of senior care. Your team shouldn’t just understand how to work with seniors, but rather they should also understand how to meet the precise needs that your loved one struggles with.
We’re here if you’d like to speak more about how in-home care might benefit you and your family. One of our caregivers would be happy to talk with you about care and how it can help. Call us today to get started and schedule your free consultation session. The sooner you start, the sooner you and your family can get connected to the ideal care for your family’s needs.
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