Take Charge of Your Pain Management Plan

Nearly 1 in 5 US adults are living in chronic pain, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help their patients manage pain, healthcare providers may prescribe opioid medication.

Even when taken as prescribed, opioids can be highly addictive. If you, a family member, or a loved one is living with chronic pain and have been prescribed opioid medication, you can take steps to prevent opioid misuse. 

Work closely with your health care provider to develop a plan for pain management and discuss any potential side effects and concerns you may have. 

Avoid taking opioids in greater amounts than prescribed.  Do not combine opioids with alcohol or other medications, especially those that cause drowsiness such as muscle relaxants and hypnotics.  Do not share prescription opioids with other individuals.

Explore other ways to manage pain besides taking opioids such as exercise therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or massage. 

Schedule follow up appointments to discuss your progress and make adjustment as needed to your pain management plan.

Find a secure place to store your medication that is out of reach of children, other family members and visitors.  If you have unused or expired prescription opioids following your treatment, locate a drug take-back program in your community.  

Healthy Acadia has received new funding through our Maine Prevention Services substance use prevention grant to address opioid and stimulant misuse in our communities.  Staff has collected and shared information on opioids and stimulants, including by conducting local needs assessments and designing public service announcements for local radio platforms.

For more information, visit cdc.gov.