Do Current Policies and Practices for Prescribing Opioid Medications Solve Chronic Pain Problems?

• Published in: Psychiatric annals Vol. 45; no. 10; pp. 500 - 505
• Main Authors: Maldow, David, Miller, Norman S., Matthews, Alexandria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thorofare SLACK INCORPORATED 01.10.2015
• Subjects: Drug addiction; Narcotics; Pain management; Prescriptions
• ISSN: 0048-5713; 1938-2456
• DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20151001-04

Despite the widespread prescribing of opioid medications for the treatment of chronic pain, there is little or no evidence for its efficacy. In fact, the studies show that long-term prescribing of opioid medications leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The Controlled Substance Laws define prescription opioids as dangerous and addicting medications. Despite the classification and scheduling of opioid medication, their prescribing continues to be common and adverse. Most importantly, there are few studies addressing the addicting properties that drive the high rates of prescribing and adverse consequences. It is a myth that most people treated with opioids never become addicted and that addiction does not develop if you are prescribing for pain. Despite the widespread prescribing of opioid medications for the treatment of chronic pain, there is little or no evidence for its efficacy. In fact, the studies show that long-term prescribing of opioid medications leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The Controlled Substance Laws define prescription opioids as dangerous and addicting medications. Despite the classification and scheduling of opioid medication, their prescribing continues to be common and adverse. Most importantly, there are few studies addressing the addicting properties that drive the high rates of prescribing and adverse consequences. It is a myth that most people treated with opioids never become addicted and that addiction does not develop if you are prescribing for pain. [[ Psychiatr Ann . 2015;45(10):500–505.]