Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
575863 tn?1218469013

Alternative Pain Medications

My better-friend has a spine injury a little worse than mine (three bad discs instead of my two), and he started smoking grass after his discharge in an attempt to find an alternative to morphine for treatment of pain.  According to him, it eases muscle spasms, made his appetite return, and dulls the nerve pain somewhat.
However, Mr. Burroughs stayed that marijuana is contraindicated with opiates, especially when in a state of withdrawal.  Yet I've heard from other opiate users that pot doesn't cause any ill effects during opiate WD or stable usage.
Another drug I've heard of being utilized for successful treatment of opiate addiction is mescaline, and even saw a show on TV where addicts inbibed mescaline given by S. American shamans.    
Now, I'm not advocating the use or substituting of one illegal substance to attain another sort of euphoria, nor am I searching for another high.  Indeed, I cannot imagine, nor would I want to imagine, being on a mescaline trip while WD'ing or in serious pain!
Yet I desperately want to find something that can ease my daily pain levels, and have it not be opiates of any sort.  Unfortunately, it seems that opiates are the only recourse when dealing with severe, chronic pain.  Unless of course, something like pot, combined with OTC drugs & supplements, will keep my discomfort at a managable level.  If there is a viable and effective alternative, the pharmacutical companies & government certainly aren't going to let on or research them.  They'd much rather have us addicted to their tightly controlled, highly addictive, and expensive drugs, than find a cheap and addiction-free alternative that works.
I want desperately to be free of pain, but I've come to terms with the fact that I'll be reliant on them to do so, likely for the rest of my life.  I just want to be able to control the drugs, and for them not to control me.  
        
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
401095 tn?1351391770
thwere are all sorts of alternative pain measures as after tolerence builds narcotics are still used mostly due to dependence verses pain relief as there is not much without exorbitant doses...ice,  heat, yoga, massage, chirpractic, acupunture, and even prescription drugs that are not addictive...i really do not believe that the goal of doctors is to get us addicted to drugs...people have to take responsibility for their actions....some abuse and others done...it is ur responsibilty to let ur doctor know if u r abusing ur drugs or becoming dependent on them...not everyone does and they are not mind readers...blaming pharaceutical companies and dosctors for our addiction is not moving forward
Helpful - 0
566544 tn?1219437677
that gel is an interesting mix of a number of meds! the "gabentine" part is neurontin, which is in new generation form called "lyrica."  I have found lyrica to be the most helpful medication for nerve/muscle aches type pain. It can cause weight gain, and swelling in the hands and feet. If you watch your diet, it doesn't have to be a weight disaster.  There's nothing better that I've tried for such pain.  (I have nerve damage from a spinal fusion).

You might try lidocaine patches.  They're covered by most any insurance company and can be very helpful for burning pain and achiness that's not deep deep.

I encourage you to find a gentle way of strengthening your muscles, especially your core, as strong muscles support a weak spine and really make a difference in pain.  I've had the best success with a beginner's Pilates book. Stablilization exercises also helped my pain immensely...those done sitting one a large exercise ball. You surely can find information on what to do. Start gentle. Don't push it. But do progress.

I'm sorry that you are in such pain. It is a beast I live with as well. Knowing there are tools that can at least tame it some helps with the emotional toll.  Try various things and keep trying.  Accupuncture helps me, but accupressure helps far more. God bless.
Helpful - 0
575863 tn?1218469013
That gel is exactly what ice been trying to get through the army!  I knew it contained ketamine and gabapentin, but wasn't sure what else.  If I can get my hands on that stuff, it might just be the ticket I'm looking for to get off junk.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Another alternative pain method that I have come to use is a compounded pharmaceutical gel called KGCL, ketaminegabepentinclonidinelidocaine, and it works wonders for me. I have avascualr necrosis and have blown out my knee a few times, and of course I ended up addicted to pain meds, I also was using other drugs constantly. I used methadone to stop all other drugs, though I did slip occasionally, but I was doing it all without insurance so it came from or thru friends. I finally got benefits again and found an addiction specialist you helped me lower my dose from 80-100mg/day down to 30mg, then I used suboxone for 4 months, and havent taken an opiate for 2months now. Anyways back to the point the compounded gel really helps me out, Im doing physical therapy and my own light workouts to get back into good as shape as possible. The name brand name may be "neuroderm"?? not sure, my pain is really dull and I have occasionall nerve pain due to the lower leg nerve damage from a clot in an artery, that I have had the same bottle of lyrica for 5months, and only take it when I have a flare up. Cause I really cant stand lyrica, I took it for 3 months and gained 30lbs, though it does help my pain, I just use it as needed and as few as possible. Not sure if the KGCL is an option some insurance carriers dont pay for it, though they tell me Im lucky to be one that does, because the monthly bottle I get is $240.00 my copay is $10 bucks. thank heavens, but I wish you good luck in finding whatever it is that can make you live a comfortable life. If you have any questions Id be happy to tell you more about it, Im not sure if it is common and many people know about it, either way just thought it may help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
what helped me - after many, many, many things - was cortisone shots in my back (not the epidurals - that didn't help) but cortisone in the areas that really hurt (i too, have two bad disks.) mine are cervical tho.  i know a number of folks that had lumbar disk bulges and the epi's worked.

also - ibuprofin 800's.  REALLY helps the inflamation, which is a big part of our pain...

as well, i have this thing i got from my chiro... a long, circular hard styrofoam thing i roll on every night, up and down my spine.  that REALLY helps too. in fact, my back was hurting tonight, i rolled awhile, and now - no pain.

try it.  you'll be stunned.... a year ago i thought i'd never get out of pain.  now, its a very different story...

and once you abuse narcotics, it is REALY tough to use as needed again.  plus, after prolonged use, for most, they really lose their effect anyway. it's a fact...

i didn't know that until i got off them. this other stuff (i mentioned above) and a couple other things help way more than narcotics ever did.  i had no idea that would ever be the case.  but it's true..

try everything.

good luck hun....
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.