Abstract
Aims: The limited literature on pain in opioid treatment samples indicates that current pain is highly prevalent. Understanding the clinical implications of current pain on treatment outcomes is important, particularly in light of ageing opioid treatment cohorts. This study aims to explore correlates of pain, including aberrant behaviors related to prescribed opioid use. Methods: Data on pain, physical health and previous tried pain treatments were collected in methadone or buprenorphine patients (n=141) fromthree treatment services.Measures included basic demographics, the Brief Pain Inventory, measures of general mental and physical health and quality of life questions, pain history and previous treatments tried for pain. Univariate andmultivariate analysis were used to examine correlates of pain. Results: Forty percent of the sample reported current pain. Of those with current pain, 68% reported trying some form of treatment other thanprescribed opioids. Correlates of current painwere depression, anxiety and poorer ratings of health. Current pain was not associated with greater use of illicit opioids (prescribed opioids or heroin) norwith any aberrant opioid related behaviors. Pain levels were comparable amongst methadone and buprenorphine treatment participants. Conclusions: The high prevalence of severe mental health comorbidity amongst opioid dependent people with current pain suggests screening for pain and tailoring of treatment where pain exists is warranted. The lack of association with pain and aberrant behaviors suggests it should not be assumed that those in opioid treatment misuse medications in response to pain. Financial support: Funding for the parent study was provided by Reckitt Benkiser in the form of an united educational grant; the funders had no role in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; or in the decision to submit the paper for presentation at CPDD.
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