Monthly Archives: July 2018

Reappraisal and Reinterpretation of Experience

An interesting study, reviewed by BPS (a link to original study is embedded in the review for those interested). While the study has noted flaws (they all do :), it is in support of other areas of similar research and I see parallels to fundamental mind-body constructs.
Cognitive reappraisal is intimately linked to self-referential processes and mindfulness constructs. Awareness of the storylines that we tell ourselves about an experience, followed by re-scripting of that story, is associated with top-down neurocognitive processes – capable of influencing attentional and emotional modulation as reflected in, for example, amygdala activity; also capable of influencing pain unpleasantness and intensity.
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Try to view the pain dispassionately, like a scientist studying the experience. By Christian Jarrett

Detoxing From Opioid Use

Over the last 3-4 years, I have seen an increase in the number of people on long-term opioid management of persistent pain, who are wishing to come off of the medication. Most have been successful. We now know that exposure to these medications interrupts normal processes and has a very high potential to make pain worse over time. The side-effect profile is also of significant concern. This recent article demonstrated that in general, when stopping opioids, pain does not worsen, and there is potential for it to improve. Imagine if the process involved a comprehensive integrative pain management approach with a focus on mind-body medicine… potential for improvement in the overall pain experience may be facilitated. I honor the resilience of those experiencing chronic pain as part of their path through life, and the courage and strength that it takes to undergo an opioid reduction program. It may not be everyone’s path, and I experience compassion for the dilemma. Opioids medicate far more than physical sensation – the dampen stress, medicate emotion, impact sleep, and more. Weighing the costs and benefits is difficult. I offer support for those experiencing pain, as well as guidance for those wishing to reduce or eliminate opioid use. I can offer remote sessions tailored to your needs…

Stopping long-term opioid treatment does not make chronic, non-cancer-related pain worse and, in some cases, makes it better, Washington State University researchers have found.