Professional and collegiate athletes are not immune to substance abuse. Often this substance abuse is caused due to an injury that they received opioids for the pain. It can also come from using performance enhancing drugs such as steroids.
The other reason is because they become famous making a lot of money and get into the party scene. Alcohol or substance abuse can sneak up on the athlete without him or her even noticing until they cannot stop and it is causing issues with their career and or relationships.
No matter how they become addicted they too need help with recovery. If they are not ready to admit they have a problem, have the information on a recovery center ready when they are.
Sports injuries
Sports injuries are painful and, in some cases, career-ending, which creates a tremendous amount of stress and depression, which can lead to an addiction. Many sports medicine clinics will not treat with opioids for pain unless the injury is bad enough to need surgery.
Even regular people who play sports can end up with some of these injuries that lead to pain medication the doctor prescribes. If you are one of them, before a prescription of pain medication, try the following holistic approaches:
- Over the counter pain meds or muscle rubs
- Massage therapy
- Hot or cold packs
- Acupuncture or acupressure
All of these holistic treatments are great alternatives to prescribed pain medications like opioids.
If you receive no relief from those things, ask the doctor if there is a non-addictive prescription medicine, you can take for pain. Also, go over your family history with your doctor before taking any prescribed pain medication. Doing this will reduce the likelihood that you will become addicted
Road to recovery
The first step on the road to recovery is to admit there is a problem. The second step is to be prepared to do something about it.
When looking for a recovery center, you want to know that they can treat you and teach you the skills and tools you need to reduce the risk of relapse.
What to look for in a recovery center
When looking for a recovery center, you want to find one that provides:
- A safe environment
- A monitored detox program
- Therapy for individuals, groups, and family
- Counselors who can help you understand the underlying issues such as low self-esteem or abuse
These things help you feel safe and learn the skills and tools you need to achieve and maintain your recovery and reduce your risk of relapse. When you leave the recovery center, you may want to think about moving in to a sober living arrangement depending on your home life..
449 Recovery offers a monitored detox program, counseling, and a safe environment that contributes to achieving recovery. Call us today (855) 435-7449 to learn more about our programs and therapies. 449 Recovery believes everyone deserves to live free of dependence on substances or alcohol, let us treat you.