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Chronic Pain 360

Real hope for recovery

Addiction
Do Long-Acting Opioids Fight Addiction?

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on October 15, 2015

Some doctors prescribe long-acting opioids for their patients as an alternative to a large amount of short- or fast-acting painkillers. One reason the drugs were developed was to curb misuse of their fast-acting counterparts, which are more likely to be abused — recreationally or otherwise — and lead to addiction. But the problem is complex.

Some doctors prescribe long-acting opioids for their patients as an alternative to a large amount of short- or fast-acting painkillers. One reason the drugs were developed was to curb misuse of their fast-acting counterparts, which are more likely to be abused — recreationally or otherwise — and lead to addiction. But the problem is complex.

Addiction
The First Step in Recovery

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on September 29, 2015

September is National Recovery Month, a time to raise awareness about addiction, treatment and the path toward healing. While recovery comes in many forms, there are many misconceptions about what it really means.

September is National Recovery Month, a time to raise awareness about addiction, treatment and the path toward healing. While recovery comes in many forms, there are many misconceptions about what it really means.

Addiction
Overdose Awareness Week Addresses Public Health Crisis

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on September 3, 2015

This week is “Overdose Awareness Week” in my home state of Maryland. The week was designated to raise awareness of the heroin and opioid public health crisis, which has reached epidemic proportions. Of course, this public health crisis is not unique to Maryland; every state is battling this epidemic.

This week is “Overdose Awareness Week” in my home state of Maryland. The week was designated to raise awareness of the heroin and opioid public health crisis, which has reached epidemic proportions. Of course, this public health crisis is not unique to Maryland; every state is battling this epidemic.

Chronic Pain
Do Men and Women Experience Chronic Pain Differently?

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on August 27, 2015

Experts in the psychology field have long been working to better understand the differences between men and women. John Gray’s bestselling book, Men are from Mars Women are from Venus, remains popular more than 20 years after publication because new generations are still trying to answer questions about the different sexes.

Experts in the psychology field have long been working to better understand the differences between men and women. John Gray’s bestselling book, Men are from Mars Women are from Venus, remains popular more than 20 years after publication because new generations are still trying to answer questions about the different sexes.

Addiction
Rx Pain Meds and Teens – A Troubling Combination

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on July 27, 2015

Do you know about the dangers lurking in your medicine cabinet? Chances are, like many of us, you have one or more unused prescription bottles sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. For parents with teens, this can be a very dangerous scenario.

Do you know about the dangers lurking in your medicine cabinet? Chances are, like many of us, you have one or more unused prescription bottles sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. For parents with teens, this can be a very dangerous scenario.

Chronic Pain
The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Chronic Pain

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on July 8, 2015

I work with a team of experts to deliver an integrated treatment program for those suffering with chronic pain. Our diverse group includes counselors, physicians, nurses, physical therapists and certified personal trainers. We also have staff who specialize in aqua therapy, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, yoga and art therapy.

I work with a team of experts to deliver an integrated treatment program for those suffering with chronic pain. Our diverse group includes counselors, physicians, nurses, physical therapists and certified personal trainers. We also have staff who specialize in aqua therapy, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, yoga and art therapy.

Chronic Pain
The Painful Truth About Heroin

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on June 25, 2015

What is the connection between chronic pain and the heroin epidemic?

What is the connection between chronic pain and the heroin epidemic?

Chronic Pain
Does the Doctor Always Know Best?

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on June 12, 2015

In today’s information age, patients have a wealth of resources to turn to for guidance on a variety of medical treatments. An informed patient working with a trusted physician who has experience treating chronic pain syndrome can be a winning formula.

In today’s information age, patients have a wealth of resources to turn to for guidance on a variety of medical treatments. An informed patient working with a trusted physician who has experience treating chronic pain syndrome can be a winning formula.

Chronic Pain
The Many Faces of Chronic Pain

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on June 4, 2015

I’m often asked, “What does a typical patient in the Pain Recovery Program look like?” There is no simple answer to that complex question. Chronic pain syndrome, classified as pain that persists more than 12 weeks, impacts hundreds of thousands of people and each case is complex and unique.

I’m often asked, “What does a typical patient in the Pain Recovery Program look like?” There is no simple answer to that complex question. Chronic pain syndrome, classified as pain that persists more than 12 weeks, impacts hundreds of thousands of people and each case is complex and unique.

Smoking
The Painful Effects of Smoking

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on May 26, 2015

Many people who suffer from chronic pain are cigarette smokers. In fact, recent epidemiological and clinical data indicate that the prevalence of smoking among those in pain may be up to twice the rate found in the general population.

Many people who suffer from chronic pain are cigarette smokers. In fact, recent epidemiological and clinical data indicate that the prevalence of smoking among those in pain may be up to twice the rate found in the general population.

Chronic Pain
How Prescription Pain Meds Hijack Your Brain

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on May 19, 2015

In this post, I’d like to explore the science of chronic pain and paint a picture that shows how the brain operates on opiates.

In this post, I’d like to explore the science of chronic pain and paint a picture that shows how the brain operates on opiates.

Relapse
Tips to Avoid Pain Recovery Relapse

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on May 1, 2015

I typically use the famous quote from W.L. Bateman, “if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got,” when patients come into treatment after having no success with methods of pain relief.

I typically use the famous quote from W.L. Bateman, “if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got,” when patients come into treatment after having no success with methods of pain relief.

Chronic Pain
Pain in the Family

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on April 23, 2015

There are approximately 116 million people currently suffering from chronic pain. And if you’ve read the headlines recently, you know that many people with chronic pain are also struggling with opiate dependence. When we think of treatment and intervention, many of us only consider the person in pain. However, family and friends are impacted as well.

There are approximately 116 million people currently suffering from chronic pain. And if you’ve read the headlines recently, you know that many people with chronic pain are also struggling with opiate dependence. When we think of treatment and intervention, many of us only consider the person in pain. However, family and friends are impacted as well.

Chronic Pain
Using Holistic Medicine to Treat Chronic Pain Syndrome

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on April 3, 2015

My colleague Carol Bowman, M.D., staff physician and director of The Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin’s Ashley, discusses the role of holistic medicine when treating patients suffering from chronic pain.

My colleague Carol Bowman, M.D., staff physician and director of The Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin’s Ashley, discusses the role of holistic medicine when treating patients suffering from chronic pain.

Addiction
Addiction or Dependency? Does it Matter?

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on March 25, 2015

Many of my patients often ask me, “What’s the difference between being addicted to prescription pain medications versus being dependent?” To help shed light on this important topic, I’d like to examine each classification.

Many of my patients often ask me, “What’s the difference between being addicted to prescription pain medications versus being dependent?” To help shed light on this important topic, I’d like to examine each classification.

Diet
How Diet Can Help Alleviate Chronic Pain

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on March 16, 2015

My colleague Carol Bowman, M.D., staff physician and director of The Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin’s Ashley, discusses the positive outcomes associated with an anti-inflammatory diet as part of an integrated treatment approach for patients suffering from chronic pain.

My colleague Carol Bowman, M.D., staff physician and director of The Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin’s Ashley, discusses the positive outcomes associated with an anti-inflammatory diet as part of an integrated treatment approach for patients suffering from chronic pain.

Leadership
Managing Pain Versus Recovering From Pain

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on February 25, 2015

A pain management approach is frequently considered as the first line of attack when the degree of pain exceeds a person’s ability to cope on his or her own. When pain moves from the acute to the chronic stage, some people may continue with a pain management regimen because they’re unaware that other modalities exist.

A pain management approach is frequently considered as the first line of attack when the degree of pain exceeds a person’s ability to cope on his or her own. When pain moves from the acute to the chronic stage, some people may continue with a pain management regimen because they’re unaware that other modalities exist.

Chronic Pain
Want to End Dependence on Rx Pain Meds for Chronic Pain?

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on February 13, 2015

I helped create the Prescription Pain Medication Self-Assessment (PPMSA), along with a team comprised of a medical doctor and licensed mental health counselors specializing in treating patients with chronic pain. We developed the assessment to help people struggling with long-term use of prescription pain medications.

I helped create the Prescription Pain Medication Self-Assessment (PPMSA), along with a team comprised of a medical doctor and licensed mental health counselors specializing in treating patients with chronic pain. We developed the assessment to help people struggling with long-term use of prescription pain medications.

Chronic Pain
Treating the Person not the Part

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on February 9, 2015

Aristotle said, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This sentiment certainly applies when working with people in chronic pain. It makes perfect sense that when a body part is injured or in pain, that part is treated. But what if someone has a chronic pain condition?

Aristotle said, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This sentiment certainly applies when working with people in chronic pain. It makes perfect sense that when a body part is injured or in pain, that part is treated. But what if someone has a chronic pain condition?

Chronic Pain
Exploring the Medicalization of Emotions

Scott Dehorty MSW, LCSW-C on January 30, 2015

The team of professionals at The Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin’s Ashley believes that an integrated pain recovery treatment approach can successfully help chronic pain sufferers get well without reliance on pain medications.

The team of professionals at The Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin’s Ashley believes that an integrated pain recovery treatment approach can successfully help chronic pain sufferers get well without reliance on pain medications.