Managing the Medications Used to Manage Pain

Western Medicine treatments for chronic pain frequently include medications to manage or mask the pain. These medications are not without effects. My guest, clinical psychologist Anne-Marie Nicolas, Psy.D., explains the differences among the various types of unintended effects various common pain medications can have, including side effects, rebound, withdrawal, and addiction. We discuss the role psychologists can play in helping people control or diminish their pain, reduce their dependence on pain medications, and manage the unintended effects of pain medication. We also discuss the difference between Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the importance of addressing the body-mind-spirit connection.