Living with chronic pain while recovering from substance use disorder presents a unique and often overwhelming challenge. For many, pain and addiction are intertwined—either because substances were used to manage physical discomfort or because long-term substance use has intensified pain perception. At Summit Helps in New Jersey, we recognize this complex relationship and offer specialized outpatient intensive programming (IOP) designed to support clients managing both chronic pain and recovery.
The Connection Between Pain and Addiction
Chronic pain is not just physical—it affects every aspect of a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. Many individuals with pain conditions develop substance use disorders after being prescribed opioids or other medications to manage their symptoms. Others may turn to alcohol or illicit drugs as a way to cope with the daily toll of untreated or under-managed pain.
In recovery, unmanaged pain can become a serious relapse trigger. That’s why our IOP treatment for clients with chronic pain takes a whole-person approach, addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of pain alongside addiction care.
An Integrated, Customized Approach
At Summit Helps, no two treatment plans look the same—especially for clients with chronic pain. We work with each individual to create a personalized care plan that includes:
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Pain-aware clinical interventions that recognize the physical realities clients are facing
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Behavioral therapies like CBT and DBT to help reframe pain-related thoughts and reduce suffering
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Mind-body practices such as guided meditation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques
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Non-opioid pain management education and strategies
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Collaboration with external medical providers, including pain specialists, to ensure coordinated care
This integrated approach allows clients to stay engaged in recovery without feeling like their physical pain is being ignored or minimized.
Learning to Manage Pain Without Substances
A key part of treatment is helping clients develop new, sustainable coping strategies. Rather than turning to substances, clients are empowered with tools to manage discomfort in healthier ways. This might include:
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Gentle movement and stretching exercises
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Sleep hygiene strategies
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Nutrition education to reduce inflammation
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Emotional regulation techniques for pain-related anxiety or depression
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Peer support from others who understand the unique challenges of recovery with chronic pain
These skills are taught in group and individual sessions and are designed to be practiced and refined in real life.
A Safe, Respectful Healing Environment
Clients with chronic pain often feel misunderstood or dismissed by past providers. At Summit Helps, we foster a culture of empathy and validation. Our clinicians are trained to work with individuals who experience physical limitations, flare-ups, and pain-related frustration—without judgment.
We understand that progress may look different for each client. What matters is that healing continues at a manageable pace, and that every step forward is supported and celebrated.
Managing chronic pain in recovery is not only possible—it’s achievable with the right tools, understanding, and support. At Summit Helps, we tailor our outpatient IOP care to meet you where you are, helping you build a life that’s not just sober, but livable and meaningful.
