How Do You Handle Physical & Emotional Pain Now That You’re Drug Free and Need to Stay That Way?

One of the hardest parts of life is dealing with pain, both physical and emotional, without turning to drugs. The monstrous medical ‘professionals’ will prescribe dangerous addictive drugs that will addict and possibly kill you for things as simple as a headache, toothache or backache… even for little children. Addiction all too often begins from doctors and dentists that spirals out of control before too long. This is called ‘Iatrogenic Addiction’ which is defined as addiction by doctor.

Understanding Pain in Recovery

Pain is a very real part of life. After years of numbing it with addictive prescription drugs, street drugs, and/or alcohol, newly sober people are often anxious about how they are going to cope with physical and emotional pain going forward.

• Physical pain may come from past injuries, poor health habits, or damage caused by substance abuse.
• Emotional pain can include regret, shame, anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma.
• Spiritual pain is the ache of distance from God due to sin and separation from His will.

The good news? The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He offers very real solutions. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” With the confidence in God that this powerful Scripture brings (among others as well), it’s time to go to your Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name and rely on Him. He has placed amazing things on this earth intended for healing. Man invented modern medicine that kills and harms – not God.

2. Addressing Physical Pain Naturally

A. Proper Nutrition

Addiction depletes the body of essential nutrients. A proper diet can significantly reduce pain and aid recovery.

• Anti-inflammatory foods: Include non-GMO and organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich fish.
• Hydration: Purified water flushes toxins and reduces joint and muscle pain. You can drink it straight or add organic tea or organic lemon to flavor it. Sweeten it with some organic Stevia for health. NEVER use artificial sweeteners or sugar.
• Vitamin support: B vitamins (for nerve health), magnesium (for muscle relaxation), and vitamin D3 with K2 (for immune and bone support) can be extremely healthful.

B. Exercise and Movement

• Low-impact exercise: Walking, stretching, and swimming help release endorphins—your body’s natural pain relievers. If you have certain injuries, check with your doctor first as to which exercises will be safe.
• Strength training: Helps rebuild damaged muscles and joints. (Again, check with you doctor.)
• Breathing exercises: Reduce tension and increase oxygen flow. I call it “breathe in the roses and blow out the candles” which simply means, inhale and hold it for 4 seconds, then exhale for 4 seconds.

C. Natural Remedies

• Heat and cold therapy: Use heating pads for sore muscles and ice for inflammation.
• Essential oils: Lavender and peppermint can help with pain and relaxation. If you have pets, these could be harmful, so check with your veterinarian.
• Herbal teas: Chamomile, ginger, and turmeric reduce inflammation and promote healing. I drink these all the time.

D. Rest and Sleep

A lack of sleep intensifies pain. Try:

• Establishing a bedtime routine: No screens, caffeine, or stress before bed.
• Using scripture meditation: Rest in God’s promises, such as Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Scripture meditation is simply going into a restful quiet place alone, put on some instrumental praise music, and repeat the appropriate Bible verses over and over.
• Creating a restful environment: A dark, quiet room improves sleep quality.

3. Managing Emotional and Spiritual Pain

A. Prayer and Surrender

When you tell me that pain can lead you back to addiction, I will tell you that Jesus says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

• Pray for strength, comfort, and God’s wisdom & understanding daily.
• Keep a prayer journal to track God’s faithfulness along the way.
• Surrender your pain instead of fighting it alone or considering drugs.

B. Reading and Meditating on Scripture

God’s Word is a source of healing:

• Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “God is the Father of compassion and comforts us in all troubles.”
• Romans 8:18 – “Our present sufferings are nothing compared to future glory in Christ.”

C. Fellowship and Community

Healing does happen in the body of Christ.

• Find a godly recovery coach or non-12-step support group.
• Attend a non-denominational Spirit-filled church that teaches the entire Bible including prophecy regularly for learning, growing in Christ, encouragement, and accountability.
• Confess and seek healing rather than suffering in silence. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

D. Serving Others

One of the best ways to overcome emotional pain is to help others. When we focus outward, our own burdens feel lighter.

• Volunteer at a ministry.
• Encourage or mentor others in recovery.
• Use your testimony to bring hope. Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

E. Christian Coaching and/or Counseling for Deeper Wounds

Some emotional pain comes from deep wounds, such as trauma, abuse, or mental health struggles. Seeking Christian coaching and counseling can help with healing biblically and professionally.

4. The Power of Praise in Pain

Worship shifts our focus from pain to God’s power.

• Job 1:21 – Job praised God even in suffering.
• Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25-26) – Praising God in prison led to their breakthrough.
• Isaiah 61:3 – God gives a “garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Make worship a daily practice. Put on worship music, sing, or simply thank God aloud.

5. Trusting in God’s Healing Process

Recovery is a holy road filled with God’s blessings and promises:

• Jeremiah 30:17 – “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.”
• Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Physical and emotional pain don’t have to drive you back to addiction. Through nutrition, exercise, natural remedies, prayer, scripture, community, and worship, you can find true healing. Jesus is our ultimate healer, and He will sustain you.

Are you struggling with pain in recovery? Take it to God. You are not alone! He is with you every step of the way.

A Few Words About Managing Post-Surgical Pain Naturally

Surgery can be a major challenge for anyone, but for someone in addiction recovery, it presents a unique dilemma: How do you manage pain without turning to opioids or other potentially addictive medications? While some pain medication may be necessary in the short term, it’s important to have a plan in place to minimize risks and prioritize natural healing.

Here’s a guide to handling post-surgical pain naturally while staying strong in your recovery.

1. Preparing for Surgery with Prayer and Wisdom

Before surgery, cover everything in prayer. Ask God for strength, peace, and guidance:

• James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
• Seek wisdom from your doctor about non-opioid pain management options. Let the doctor know that you want to stay clear of addictive drugs. IF it’s a type of surgery that is truly serious and excruciatingly painful, tell your doctor to give you extremely low doses of pain meds for ONLY 3 days and no more… and, ONLY while you are hospitalized. Tell your doctor you do not want any addictive medications at home.
• Ask a Christian accountability partner to help you stay on track during recovery.

2. Managing Post-Surgical Pain Without Addictive Medications

A. Communicate With Your Doctor

• Inform your surgeon and medical team about your recovery.
• Request non-opioid pain relief options like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) if safe for your condition.
• If opioids are necessary, use them only while in the hospital and none for when you go home.

B. Natural Pain Relief Methods

Instead of relying on medication alone, consider these alternatives:

1. Ice and Heat Therapy

• Ice: Reduces swelling and numbs pain. Use for the first few days post-surgery.
• Heat: Relaxes muscles and promotes circulation. Use after swelling has decreased.

2. Proper Nutrition for Healing

• Protein-rich foods help tissue repair (clean lean meats, eggs, beans).
• Anti-inflammatory foods (turmeric, ginger, leafy greens) can reduce pain naturally.
• Collagen and bone broth support healing in connective tissues and joints.

3. Gentle Movement & Breathing Exercises

• Follow your doctor’s instructions about moving safely to prevent stiffness.
• Deep breathing and stretching (when allowed) improve circulation and reduce discomfort.

4. Herbal Remedies & Supplements (Consult your doctor first!)

• Turmeric & Ginger: Natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• Magnesium: Helps with muscle relaxation and nerve pain.
• Arnica: Can help with bruising and swelling.

5. Sleep & Rest

Healing happens during deep sleep. Try:

• Propping up with pillows to avoid strain.
• Scripture meditation before bed (Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep.”).
• Herbal teas (chamomile, valerian root) to aid relaxation.

3. Handling Emotional Pain and Triggers

Post-surgery recovery can bring frustration, boredom, and emotional struggles, which can be dangerous for someone in recovery. Stay spiritually strong by:

• Keeping a strong prayer life (Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”).
• Engage in worship—play worship music and read Psalms. You can listen to an audio Bible right on YouTube.
• Surround yourself with support—don’t isolate yourself.
• Find ways to serve (even small gestures of encouragement to others).

4. Trust God’s Healing Process

Recovery from surgery takes time. Instead of focusing on discomfort, use this season to deepen your faith:

• Meditate on healing scriptures (Exodus 15:26 – “I am the Lord, who heals you.”).
• Ask God for patience—healing is a process, but He is faithful.
• Remember Romans 8:28—even this trial can work for good in your life. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Final Encouragement

You don’t have to fear post-surgical pain or medication. With careful planning, prayer, and the right natural approaches, you can heal well while staying true to your recovery. God is your healer, your strength, and your refuge.

Have you gone through surgery in recovery? What helped you the most? Share your experience in the comments section to encourage others!

Have a super blessed rest of your day knowing that Jesus Christ is always the One to turn to! Hope to see you in my next post. Bye for now.