How Does the Group Work 

The Pain in Recovery Support Group (PIRSG) is an abstinence-based, support group designed for people in twelve-step programs who have chronic pain and want to improve their quality of life without the use of opioid medications. PIRSG embraces the principles of the twelve steps of recovery, however, it is not intended to substitute for involvement in twelve step fellowships, only to complement it.

Those who are not currently involved in a twelve step fellowship are welcome to attend PIRSG and take the time you need to determine if this resource works for you. In PIRSG each member’s right to privacy and confidentiality is important. While it can be valuable to discuss what you learn here with other trusted persons in your life, including family members, friends and health care providers, in order to respect the confidentiality of other PIRSG members we ask that you not share information about anyone other than yourself.

We are not a professional or medical organization and do not provide medical advice. We are not affiliated with any other organizations, and do not endorse any specific medical, holistic or alternative treatments. We are here to support each other’s journey in recovery. While there are many opinions on what constitutes abstinence, PIRSG does not determine what is or is not abstinence; that decision is up to you. PIRSG does not acknowledge clean time or what designates clean time. If you attend a twelve step fellowship, we recommend that you consult with your sponsor on this matter.

PIRSG was founded by and for people for whom traditional medication-based approaches for chronic pain have not worked and who needed support for abstinence-based pain relief and recovery. We have no dues or fees or membership, and are entirely self-supporting through our own contributions. PIRSG provides a safe and supportive environment for those with chronic pain to connect with one another through sharing their experience, challenges, successes and hope. PIRSG creates opportunities to consider mental, emotional, and spiritual, as well as physical solutions and strategies to accept our chronic pain, and learn how to live in peaceful co-existence with it. Our focus is on sharing about the solutions that help us to live with our pain and enrich our recovery.