Treating pain in addicted patients: recommendations from an expert panel

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Addiction Medicine
• Primary Care

Background:

• Clinicians face challenges managing addicted patients' healthcare needs alongside their addiction.
• Opioid use for chronic pain is widespread but controversial due to limited long-term efficacy data.
• Prescribing opioids for pain in addicted patients requires vigilance due to potential drug-seeking behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize expert recommendations for primary care physicians (PCPs) treating chronic pain in addicted patients.
• To address the gap in guidelines for managing this complex patient population.
• To provide a practical guide for PCPs lacking addiction specialist support.

Main Methods:

• Summary of recommendations from an expert meeting.
• Focus on practical approaches for primary care settings.
• Discussion of risk assessment, patient stratification, and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Provides a framework for PCPs to manage chronic pain in addicted patients.
• Highlights the importance of risk assessment and tailored treatment plans.
• Offers guidance on therapeutic approaches when addiction specialists are not available.

Conclusions:

• This article establishes a foundation for expanding chronic pain guidelines for addicted populations.
• Empowers PCPs with tools to navigate the complexities of pain management in addiction.
• Aims to improve care for patients with co-occurring chronic pain and addiction.