A psychosocial worker from the pain clinic answers your questions

2. My pain isn’t relieved by what my doctor prescribes for me. He’s tried everything but nothing works. I’ve heard that methadone is much more effective and that the effect lasts longer. I’m fed up taking so many pills. Can CRAN help me?

It’s important to explain to your doctor that your pain is not alleviated and that you have contacted CRAN. However, you must know that CRAN is a centre that specializes in the treatment of opioid use disorders and not in the treatment of chronic pain.

1. I’m a family physician and I’m treating a user who has rheumatoid arthritis. Could psychosocial support or psychotherapy help relieve her pain?

Yes. A person with chronic pain not only has to cope with pain but also with all the different ways it affects his daily life, at home or at work. This can cause a lot of psychological suffering and distress. The person is going through a difficult grieving process (grieving the loss of a healthy body, activities that he can’t do anymore, loss of income, etc.). He has a greater risk of developing a depressive disorder and so needs psychological support as much as he needs support for matters of a practical nature.