Reducing Opioid Use for Chronic Pain With a Group-Based Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Opioid use for chronic nonmalignant pain poses significant risks.
• Effective strategies are needed to reduce opioid dependence and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a multicomponent, group-based, self-management intervention for reducing opioid use in chronic nonmalignant pain.
• To assess the intervention's impact on pain-related disability.

Main Methods:

• A multicentered randomized clinical trial involving 608 adults on strong opioids for chronic nonmalignant pain.
• Participants received either usual care or a 12-month intervention including group sessions, skill-based learning, and 1-on-1 support.
• Primary outcomes included opioid discontinuation rates and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference scores.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a significantly higher rate of opioid discontinuation at 12 months (29% vs. 7%).
• No statistically significant difference was observed in pain interference scores between the intervention and usual care groups.
• Serious adverse events were slightly higher in the intervention group, with some participants experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A group-based educational intervention significantly reduced patient-reported opioid use in chronic nonmalignant pain.
• The intervention did not improve perceived pain interference with daily life activities.
• Further research may be needed to optimize interventions for both opioid reduction and functional improvement.