Most people feel pain from time to time. However, chronic suffering is a little different. Some people ask, “What is chronic pain, and why is it a problem for people with addiction?” There’s more to this extreme type of pain than most people realize.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain or suffering is a type of pain that the body feels for weeks, months, or even years. When people get hurt, they usually feel pain until the body heals. In general, medical experts consider any pain that lasts longer than six months chronic.

It’s worth pointing out that a chronic affliction usually interferes with normal life in some way. Mild pain hurts, but it usually doesn’t interfere with how people live their lives. Persistent pain makes it difficult for them to engage in day-to-day activities.

What Causes a Chronic Affliction?

Doctors don’t always know what causes persistent pain in some people. However, it’s more common in certain situations. Some conditions that cause this type of pain include:

Nerve damage
Arthritis
Past surgeries
Fibromyalgia
Migraines

In addition, the withdrawal symptoms that people feel from addiction can cause agony. It typically depends on the drug that they took and how long they took it. Rehab centers can help them manage the pain safely, which is something that they can’t easily do at home.

Common Symptoms of Persistent Pain

Pain is the most obvious symptom of chronic suffering. Unlike normal injuries, however, this pain lasts for months at a time. While it usually feels intense, sometimes it’s a dull ache that lasts for months. Other times, it’s a burning, throbbing, or shooting pain throughout the body or in a specific location.

Beyond the physical symptoms, a chronic affliction can cause other problems. Many people who suffer from it admit to not feeling hungry and having trouble sleeping. Others experience a lack of energy or sudden changes in mood. All of these conditions can make dealing with substance abuse or addiction much harder.