Opioids are prescription medications that are used to treat pain caused by different sources. However, this type of medication is very addictive. In fact, more than 48,000 people die from an opioid overdose each year. A much safer alternative to chronic pain management is the use of medical marijuana.
Effective Pain Relief
Medical marijuana can be used for chronic pain relief thanks to its ability to reduce nerve pain and regulate the central nervous system. It’s very helpful for pain-related conditions such as neuropathy and for cancer patients. There isn’t a risk of overdosing on medicinal marijuana, especially when used as directed.
Fewer Side Effects
There are a lot of side effects that come from using opioids on a regular basis. This can include constipation, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, itching, and respiratory depression. Even if you’ve been using opioids as directed by your doctor, you can experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to go off your medication or skip a few doses.
Reduced Risk of Dependency
It’s common for people who are using opioids to become addicted to them. In fact, approximately 10% of people who are medically prescribed opioids will become addicted to them. This is more likely in individuals who have an addictive personality or have a history of addiction in their family.
Marijuana can cause people to develop dependency to some degree, but it’s not a severe addiction. There aren’t substantial or dangerous withdrawals to worry about. There are many people who are able to use medical marijuana at their discretion without feeling like they have to continually use it.
Improved Quality of Life
Chronic pain can be a very debilitating thing to live with. When the pain is severe, it can interfere with your day-to-day life, preventing you from doing what you love to do. It can result in poor sleep quality at night, which affects you during the day. People with chronic pain often experience brain fog or the inability to concentrate because of their discomfort.
Medicinal marijuana can help relax your body, so you sleep better at night and get the rest you need. You will physically feel more comfortable during the day, increasing your motivation and productivity. It can also boost your mood, decreasing your risk of anxiety and depression.
Personalized Treatment Options
Using opioids to treat your chronic pain often puts you on a schedule of when you need to take your medication and how often. You may need to keep up with your dose even if you’re not currently feeling any pain, just so the pain stays away. It’s a much safer and healthier option to turn to medical marijuana when you are feeling unwell or uncomfortable. It can be used as needed, allowing you to personalize your treatment plan so your chronic pain is better managed.
It’s important that you source your medical marijuana from a reputable source. This ensures the quality and safety of the products you’re using. A high-quality product will provide better results even though it may be a little pricier.