How to Safely Manage Surgery and Medical Treatment While in Recovery

For people in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), managing surgery or medical treatments that involve pain management can feel overwhelming. Concerns about relapse, inadequate pain control, or stigma from healthcare providers are common.

The good news? With proper planning and open communication, you can safely navigate medical procedures while protecting your recovery.

1. Be proactive — consult with your doctors ahead of time.

The best time to address pain management is before surgery. If you’re in recovery, schedule a conversation with:

• Your anesthesiologist or surgeon – They can help tailor a pain plan that balances effectiveness and safety.
• Your addiction medicine doctor or MAT provider – If you’re on Suboxone (buprenorphine) or methadone, your provider can work with the surgical team to adjust your medication if needed and ensure continuity of care.

Many hospitals now have multidisciplinary teams that include addiction specialists who can help make your pain management plan as safe as possible.

2. Know that we rarely hold medication-assisted treatment (MAT) anymore.

In the past, patients on Suboxone or methadone were often told to stop their medication before surgery. But we now know that’s rarely necessary. Stopping MAT can lead to withdrawal, increased pain sensitivity, and even relapse.¹

Instead of stopping MAT, your providers may:¹

• Continue your usual dose and add additional pain control methods
• Temporarily adjust your dose or timing of doses, depending on the type of procedure
• Use short-acting opioids if necessary, in combination with your MAT

Your addiction medicine provider and anesthesiologist can work together to determine the best approach for your specific case.

3. Explore non-opioid pain management options

Opioids are not the only option for controlling pain. Depending on the procedure, you may benefit from:¹

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) – Reduce inflammation and work well for many types of pain
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Can be combined with NSAIDs for added effect
• Local anesthetics (nerve blocks, lidocaine patches) – Provide targeted pain relief without systemic effects
• Physical therapy and heat/ice therapy – Helpful for post-surgical pain recovery

For many procedures, a combination of non-opioid medications can provide excellent pain control without the need for opioids.¹

4. If opioids are needed, use a clear plan.

There are some cases — like major surgeries — when opioids may be necessary for a short period of time. If this happens:¹

• Discuss the lowest effective dose with your doctor ahead of time.
• Have a strict tapering plan to stop opioids as soon as possible.
• Identify a trusted friend or family member to help navigate the perioperative period, keep track of medications, and advocate on your behalf.
• Work closely with your addiction medicine provider to monitor for cravings or relapse risk.

In most situations, opioids can be carefully used under medical supervision without disrupting recovery.¹

5. Prepare for emotional and psychological triggers.

Pain, stress, and medical trauma can sometimes trigger cravings or emotional distress. Plan ahead by:

• Building a support system – Let a trusted friend, family member, or sponsor know about your surgery.
• Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can help manage stress.
• Having post-surgical check-ins with your addiction specialist – Recovery is a journey, and you deserve ongoing support.

Final thoughts

With careful planning, open communication, and a personalized pain management strategy, people in OUD recovery can safely undergo surgery without jeopardizing their progress.

Your anesthesiologist, addiction medicine provider, and surgical team are your best resources — don’t hesitate to advocate for a plan that supports both your health and your recovery.