.svg)
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, and for many, opioids have long been a primary tool for relief. While these medications can help in the short term, prolonged use carries significant risks, including dependence and addiction. Understanding this connection is essential for individuals managing persistent pain and for the families supporting them.
At Valley Forge Medical Center, a trusted drug and alcohol treatment center, care focuses on safe, evidence-based pain management and compassionate addiction treatment for individuals navigating both chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
How Opioids Became Common for Chronic Pain
For decades, opioids were widely prescribed for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, neuropathy, and injuries. These medications bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and triggering a temporary sense of relief.
While the medical community once believed addiction risks were low, updated evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now shows that opioids provide limited long-term benefits for chronic, non-cancer pain and carry significant potential for harm. Specialists emphasize that opioids should be used cautiously, and rarely as a primary long-term strategy.
As a result, individuals who began opioids for legitimate pain management may find themselves facing dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or increasing doses to achieve the same relief.
The Risks of Long-Term Opioid Use
Long-term opioid therapy affects nearly every system of the body. Research from the CDC and other medical organizations highlights risks such as:
- Physical dependence and opioid use disorder
- Increased risk of overdose
- Hormonal and immune system disruption
- Increased sensitivity to pain (opioid-induced hyperalgesia)
- Higher fall and fracture risk in older adults
- Cognitive impairment with prolonged use
These risks underscore why long-term opioid use requires careful monitoring and why many individuals benefit from transitioning to safer options through medical detox, inpatient detox, or structured care at a licensed facility.
As one of the leading substance abuse treatment centers in PA, Valley Forge provides medical supervision to safely manage opioid dependence while addressing underlying chronic pain.
Safe Alternatives for Managing Chronic Pain
Due to the risks associated with long-term opioid therapy, national clinical guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain. According to the American College of Physicians, effective non-opioid options include:
- NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Acetaminophen
- Certain antidepressants for nerve pain
- Anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin)
- Topical treatments (lidocaine, capsaicin)
Non-medication strategies also play an essential role. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommends physical therapy, supervised exercise, lifestyle modification, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for pain, mindfulness-based techniques like yoga, and, when appropriate, interventional procedures such as injections or nerve blocks.
Stanford pain psychologist, Beth Darnall, PhD, reinforces this integrated approach. She notes, “Chronic pain is rarely eliminated with opioids… Research has shown that on average long-term use of opioids reduces pain only by about 25 to 30 percent.” These non-opioid therapies often produce safer, more sustainable improvement than staying on opioids indefinitely.
Safe Treatment for Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction
When chronic pain and opioid use become intertwined, treatment must address both conditions at the same time. At Valley Forge, patients receive hospital-level inpatient care through an integrated model that supports physical, emotional, and behavioral health needs together.
Treatment begins with medically supervised detox, ensuring patients can safely begin the healing process. From there, care may include medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, behavioral therapies that support pain management and substance use recovery, and early introduction of non-opioid pain strategies. For patients with additional mental health needs, integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders strengthens long-term stability.
With personalized care and comprehensive rehabilitation programs, VFMC helps individuals restore physical stability, reduce harm, and develop a safer, long-term approach to managing chronic pain.
Finding Help for You or Your Loved Ones
If you or someone you love is experiencing chronic pain and concerns about opioid dependency, you are not alone. Help is available.
For those searching for a rehabilitation center near me, our medical center and addiction hospital provide a trusted, medically supervised environment for recovery. To learn more or speak with an admissions specialist, visit vfmc.net or call (610) 539-8500.
