Addiction in the treatment of pain: significance, recognition, and management

The treatment of pain in the presence of addiction is often a challenge. Better understanding of the relationships between pain and addictive disease may help both pain clinicians and addictionists treat individuals in whom these conditions coexist. Mechanisms through which addiction may reinforce pain are explored. The identification of addictive disease in the pain treatment setting is discussed. Strategies for effective management of pain in individuals with addictive disease are suggested.