Addition-Free Treatment Program for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a serious, life-threatening biopsychosocialspiritual disease process that requires a very focused, holistic and integrated treatment approach. Too often traditional approaches rely heavily upon the prescribing of potentially addictive medications that result in the rapid development of the co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and dependence.

At Challenges we are committed to treating our clients concurrently so that both disease processes are addressed. Our multidisciplinary staff has developed a researched based best practice model of treatment that facilitates the recovery process including the most advanced Addiction-Free Pain Management Treatment developed by Dr. Stephen F. Grimstead based in part on the GORSKI-CENAPS Model.

All clients at Challenges are assessed for pain and develop individualized treatment plans that address their specific pain management needs. The Addiction-Free Treatment Track for Pain Management includes daily Problem Solving groups and individual sessions with psychiatric, medical, clinical and pastoral staff. Additionally, consultations are arranged both in house as well with local practitioners to incorporate hands on healing therapies including:

• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Chiropractic
• Biofeedback
• Yoga
• Hypnosis
• Physical Therapy

Addiction Free Treatment for Pain Management still includes the use of non-addictive medication and agents that have proven to be effective like:
Acetaminophen
Trycyclic Antidepressants: Amytriptiline, Nortriptiline and Imipramine
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflamatory Drugs): Ibuprophen, Naproxen and Cox-2 Inhibitors like Celebrex
Anti-seizure Medications: Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Topical Gels/Lotions: Lidocaine, Aspercreme, Ben-Gay
Homeopathic Remedies: Herbs and Tinctures

Treatment maintains a focus on relapse prevention, life-style accommodations and family participation. Clients are involved in psycho-educational groups which include mindfulness, meditation, therapeutic breathing, mind-body awareness and the connection between grief and pain. Experiential groups including guided imagery and relaxation are also provided. In review of personal histories, as well as issues and choices, clients develop strategies for addiction-free healing. Families are involved in education, support and problem solving groups to better participate in the process of shared recovery.

Our goal is to assist our clients in learning how to effectively minimize pain and suffering by utilizing established, alternative and holistic methods of treatment.