High Prevalence of Misuse of Prescribed Opioid Analgesics in Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Abstract

ABSTRACTOpioid analgesic misuse by patients with chronic non-cancer pain is increasing in Western countries. To determine the extent of opioid misuse by patients with chronic non-cancer pain followed at a French pain management clinic. A questionnaire on pain (severity, causes and management) and opioid misuse (based on the 11 DSM-V criteria for substance abuse disorders) was administered by a health professional to patients during a short hospitalization. During the study period (September 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016), 52 patients (73.1% women; median age = 50 years [IQR25-75: 43–57]) responded to the questionnaire. Chronic pain was caused by fibromyalgia in 55.6% of patients, and was mainly classified as neurogenic (32.6%), nociceptive (30.4%), and psychosomatic (15.2%). At hospitalization, the median pain visual analog scale score was 7/10 [IQR25-75: 6–8], despite the ongoing treatment. The opioid misuse evaluation suggested the presence of misuse in 76.9% of patients (≥2 DSM-V criteria) that was severe in 52% of patients (≥6 DSM-V criteria). Our data highlight the high prevalence of misuse of prescribed opioids by adults with chronic non-cancer pain. A consultation with an addiction specialist should be included in the management of such patients.