Hi Elizabeth! I really loved your coping mechanism of meditation. I think it is really important for someone with chronic pain to be in touch with their emotions. If they feel in control of their emotions then they can at least feel in control of something in their life since chronic pain may be uncontrollable. It also may help in preventing addiction because they could seek help through alternative unhealthy ways but if they feel emotionally in control then they could be less likely to become an addict. Overall it is good to have a good mental state when facing any problem especially a chronic problem.