Narcotic Alternatives

Opioid misuse and overdoses have been a lethal and devastating health crisis globally. Unfortunately, many people rely on prescription opioids for chronic pain management. Chronic pain even puzzles many healthcare practitioners, but narcotic alternatives have become a reliable solution.

 

Professionals in the healthcare sector are being encouraged to transition away from dependence on prescription opioids. These are efficient alternatives for managing pain, and they aren’t prescription opioids that might be harmful to the user’s health.

 

Over the years, narcotic medications like morphine, codeine, Percocet, and Vicodin have been the go-to solution for many patients. Yet, their side effects have been devastating and have left many people struggling with opiate addiction. Overdoses have led to the deaths of loved ones across many nations.

 

WHAT ARE THE BEST NARCOTIC ALTERNATIVES?

 

Whether you have been struggling with chronic back pain, headaches, or recovering from surgery, you can still stay away from prescription opioids. Safe narcotic alternatives for managing pain are available, but you have to get the right options. They include:

 

* TRADITIONAL NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS)

 

These anti-inflammatory drugs are an excellent choice for pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, or headaches. They help reduce reliance on prescription opioids. If you have lower fevers, there your go-to painkillers.

 

NSAIDs are available over the counter or as prescriptions. Common types include:

 

* Aspirin

* Naproxen

* Ibuprofen

* Motrin

* Anaprox

* Naprelan

 

* NON-OPIOID PAIN RELIEVERS

 

Besides NSAIDs, you can opt for other over-the-counter medications that contain ingredients like acetaminophen or Celebrex. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, and it’s excellent for treating back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis. On the other hand, Celebrex helps treat joint pains, swelling, and stiffness. It is a great anti-inflammatory and painkiller.

 

* NSAID CREAMS, GELS, AND SPRAYS

 

NSAIDs are also available over the counter in the form of creams, gels, and sprays. These products help with different types of pain, more so around joints and specific parts of the body.

 

* NON-DRUG SOLUTIONS

 

If you don’t wish to struggle with opioids addiction or its side effects, there are non-drug alternatives to trust. They include:

 

* Acupuncture

* Physical therapy

* Cognitive-behavioral therapy

* Biofeedback

* Relaxation therapy

* Massage

* Chiropractic therapy and

* Yoga

 

TO SUM UP

 

With the right narcotic alternatives, it’s easy to reduce reliance on opioids for pain management. Using non-opioid or drug medications shouldn’t be challenging if you work with a reputed and experienced doctor. You will receive the best counseling and guidance on how to manage chronic pain and use different prescriptions.