Drug Health

People with pain are prescribed many kinds of medication throughout the course of their condition. When some of these medications are taken for long periods, there is a risk of developing problems related to dependence, or feeling the need to take them all the time. There are also many people with pain who use alcohol or other drugs as a way to help them deal with their circumstances. It is not uncommon for dependence, or craving for substances to become a priority over other things in life. Sometimes people's lives can be consumed or greatly distracted by trying to obtain drugs or alcohol.

There are very complex thought patterns involved with having pain, and these are often linked in with the feeling of needing something to take the pain away. Sometimes, the thing we choose to take away our pain can do more harm than good. People can also suffer physical and psychological harms from using alcohol or other psychoactive drugs, including prescription medications.

Therefore, the RPA Drug Health Services contribute to the multidisciplinary team at the RPA Pain Centre. People considered at risk or showing signs that a medication or other substance may be creating a problem in their lives may be referred to see a Drug Health doctor. Such a referral does not mean that you are an addict or that you have a drug or alcohol problem. It is simply another support to assist people in managing the complex treatment of pain, and to help you get as healthy as you can be.

The Drug Health doctor will conduct an in-depth interview to explore how medications, alcohol and other drugs are present in your life. They will discuss with you the extent to which they have an impact on both your pain and general coping. We endeavour to conduct the interviews in an informal, non-judgemental way and provide an opportunity to discuss many of the issues surrounding pain. There will usually be an open and interested discussion about how people feel in general and surrounding their use of medications and other substances. The aim of the interaction is to help people empower themselves to reach their best possible state of being, without the need for substances. If required, there are many further programs, support groups, alternative management strategies, ongoing counselling and medical management that can be arranged through the RPA Specialist Drug Health services. All information obtained throughout the interview process if completely confidential. Our Drug Health doctors are experienced in managing all kinds of substance problems. Their aim is not to tell people what to take and not to take, but to assist people to achieve a sustainable and safe level of function in their day-to-day lives.