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The Impact of ImPAT

Another new way to treat chronic pain is on the horizon...and while we are in the midst of an opioid crisis, these developments can't come soon enough. A study of  a group of addicted veterans in treatment compared this emerging therapy to a more conventional one...and the results are promising!






Known as ImPAT (Improving Pain During Addiction Treatment), this new strategy combines cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy.  These two (ACT) psychological treatments are not usually available as a combined therapy, but when utilized together in this study :
  • the intensity of their pain decreased
  • their ability to function increased
  • alcohol consumption decreased
One of the best things about this type of therapy include the fact that it's very inexpensive and as such, it's cost effective. In addition, those who participated in weekly sessions for 10 weeks experienced the benefits of therapy for up to a year. All I can say is...wow!

Study authors note that addicted patients who wish to eliminate opioid therapy should consider all alternative forms of therapy--physical therapy, psychological interventions, exercise, etc.  

You can read the original post on which this story is based by clicking here.

Sources: EurekaAlert.org;Wiley Online Library;Pixabay

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