Drug Addiction, Dependency and Pain - Management course for Medical Doctors

This session describes the key concepts of the management of pain in patients with a history of substance misuse

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the management of acute pain in patients with a history of addiction
• Describe the relationships between chronic pain and addiction
• List the challenges with assessment of pain in patients with past or current dependency issues
• List the principles of managing chronic pain in current or former addicts

Management of chronic pain in a person in whom drug dependence or misuse is suspected requires four elements:

• Information, between practitioner and patient, and between practitioners involved in care
• Structure, provided by clear definition of objectives and expectations
• Establishment and maintenance of a therapeutic relationship
• Prescribing, with attention to risk management