Opioids and other pain medications have been in the news in recent months. Although they can be helpful in some situations, it is easy to use them in ways that can cause illness or harm. And, it is easy to develop health problems without realizing it, or when even you think you are being careful. Read more about how to use pain medications wisely and what you can do to manage your pain without taking pills.

Safe opioid use

What are opioids and why are they dangerous?

Learn how these medications work and how their use can become dangerous.

Tapering off opioids: When and how

They're sometimes the right treatment for pain, but they're never without risk. Plan to use them safely.

Pain medication addiction

How addiction occurs

Learn about factors that can increase your risk of becoming addicted.

How to tell if a loved one is abusing

Know the signs of harmful pain med use to help save a loved one's life.

Kratom for opioid withdrawal

Kratom is promoted as an aid for getting off opioids, but does it work?

Pain management

Self-care approaches to treating pain

If you use over-the-counter pain medications daily, try these self-care approaches.

Chronic pain: Medication decisions

Assess your options for relieving pain while reducing the health risks posed by pain medications.

Pain rehabilitation

Learn how pain rehabilitation programs can help you manage chronic pain without taking medications.

Avoiding trouble with pain self-care

Nutrition and pain

Learn how a healthy diet can help you manage pain.

Supplementing your diet with kratom

Learn how the popular supplement kratom affects your body and why to avoid it.

For a healthier baby, avoid kratom

Babies get a better start in life without the dependency that can result from taking kratom.