This exercise will help you to identify dependent traits in yourself and in someone with whom you have a close relationship (this can be a spouse, romantic partner, or other significant relationship). Read the following list of characteristics and indicate which apply to you, to the other person, or to both of you. Characteristics: Problems…
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Sick Role When someone in the family has chronic pain, family roles and responsibilities often change, with the chronic pain sufferer taking on a more dependent status, or “sick role.” The spouse or partner of the person in pain may start to take on too many responsibilities. He or she may feel more like a…
DetailsRelationship patterns are established early in life. Our parents, role models, friends, etc., influence how we view ourselves and others and have an emotional impact throughout our lives. For example, the way you treat others is influenced by the way your parents acted toward each other. If we never examine these patterns we tend to…
DetailsReceiving Accepting that you cannot deal with your chronic pain or addiction by yourself is essential to help you change old thought patterns and habits. You do not need to be or feel alone as you walk through this process. Living in isolation without the support and encouragement of others who truly understand will make…
DetailsThere are numerous types of relationships, such as social, familial, intimate, romantic, acquaintance, and personal, all of which affect and are affected by your experience of chronic pain. Your relationships are not only an outward manifestation and an indicator of your overall state of balance; they also affect your state of balance either negatively or…
DetailsBy acting in ways that are consistent with becoming aware of the wishes, feelings, and needs of others, and taking the needs of others into consideration when you make a conscious decision about how you want to act, you will experience greater balance spiritually and overall. A solution-oriented strategy is to begin to develop a…
DetailsMeditation is one of the essential components of recovery and of living a spiritual life. Meditation quiets the chatter in our heads and allows us to gain perspective. You will find that practicing meditation will ease your emotional and physical pain and assist you in staying clean. The Eleventh Step in twelve-step fellowships talks about…
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A number of approaches to spirituality emphasize the value of staying in the moment, that is, being present-centered in this moment, right here and right now, as opposed to focusing on what has already happened in the past or could potentially happen in the future. This also extends to the concept of living one day…
DetailsFeeling confused or ambivalent about spirituality is understandable. The most important aspect of developing spirituality is being honest about your feelings, where you are at in your life, and what your beliefs are, along with how these beliefs manifest in your perspective, attitude, and behavior. Your challenge here is to be open to the possibility…
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Living with chronic pain and addiction generally results in a lack of hope, faith, and trust. You can become so beaten down by the weight of your pain and dependence on opiates that your worldview becomes pessimistic, the majority of your thoughts center on various forms of doom and gloom, and your relationship to others…
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