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Reducing Opioid Usage: Less is M.O.R.E.!

A relatively new approach to reducing opioid usage and improving ability to combat chronic pain is the MORE technique. This practice focuses on developing mindfulness skills, i.e. positive psychology. Participants in an 8 week course of treatment learn to reduce their dependence and craving for pain controlling medications by learning to "feel good" through the techniques they learn.

It is thought that over the course of time, a person with chronic pain is less able to experience the joys in life because they have been worn down by living in discomfort so much of the time.  Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement helps these folks to work on their positive emotions by focusing on the positives, such as the beauty of nature.  In this way, a patient learns to resort to the learned techniques instead of medications when they feel bad and need to feel better.




Early indications from the initial study at the University of Utah are promising.  It is believed that these same techniques may even help those who are trying to quit smoking or lose weight!

The authors point out that the first, most important thing for individuals who are learning to employ the MORE strategy is to gain the ability to get a good nights sleep. A good night's sleep can be a good first step in restoring the ability to be more physically active and productive.

Sources:Healthsite.com; Wikimedia

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