Abstract
This article reviews the complexities of the opioid epidemic, considering recent research involving the current state of the opioid epidemic; chronic pain and its role in the crisis; the properties of opioids and how they interact with human neurobiology; the effectiveness and risks of opioids as a treatment for chronic pain; opioid addiction and dependence; and pharmacological and psychological interventions for opioid addiction, opioid dependence, and chronic pain management. Opioid abuse can be reduced with the availability and access to treatment facilities for opioid detoxification; using interdisciplinary treatment models for chronic pain, opioid addiction and dependence; conducting more research in the areas of opioid addiction and opioid dependence; and shifting to an increase in nonpharmacological, less invasive treatments for pain.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 131-138 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Pain management |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2019 |
Keywords
- biopsychosocial
- chronic pain
- opioid addiction
- opioid dependence
- opioids