Using Medications Safely in Recovery

This pamphlet answers questions people in recovery ask when choosing medications in order to avoid those that could cause a relapse.

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For those of us in recovery from addiction, also called substance use disorder, taking certain medications can compromise our sobriety. These medications can trigger unconscious brain activity that increases the risk of returning to alcohol or other drug use. This brain activity can provoke cravings and lead to relapse, also called return to use. The good news is that there are many effective, non-addictive medicines that can treat the symptoms of illness, including pain.

This pamphlet provides information on taking control of your health, providers who understand addiction, using pain medications, tolerance and withdrawal, talking to your recovery group, and becoming your own advocate. It lists medications to avoid and those that are safe for pain, mental health disorders, and physical conditions.