12 Steps for Those Afflicted with Chronic Pain: A Guide to Recovery from Emotional and Spiritual Suffering

The 12 steps presented in this book are intended to help individual recover from the emotional suffering that so often accompanies and exacerbates chronic pain. When emotional suffering is severe, doctors often refer to this condition as the "chronic pain syndrome". Those who do develop the chronic pain syndrome experience increasing physical, emotional, and social deterioration over time and are at increased risk for the medication abuse or dependence. For this reason, chronic pain and addiction often co-exist. For those who are already familiar with 12 Step recovery, this book provides a way to apply the 12 Step approach to their chronic pain. For those unfamiliar with the steps, this book provides an introduction to the 12 steps, recovery stories, inspirational readings, and recovery exercises. This book draws on the rich tradition of other 12 Step programs and of cognitive behavioral therapy. For those who continue to suffer despite traditional medical treatments such as medications, surgery, or spinal injections, these Steps offer hope for a better future with little, if any, risk.