Use of non-pharmacological strategies for pain relief in addiction treatment patients with chronic pain

Abstract

We examined use of non-pharmacological treatments for pain in addiction treatment patients. Patients in addiction treatment with chronic pain (N = 501) were classified based on use of non-pharmacological pain treatments. Demographic and clinical correlates were compared. A total of 49% (N = 243) of patients used a non-pharmacological treatment in the past year versus 72% (N = 361) who used opioids. Non-pharmacological treatment users were more likely to use opioids and other pain medications. Non-pharmacological treatments are less commonly used than opioids by addiction treatment patients. Findings highlight the need to better understand pain treatment decision-making among addiction treatment patients. (Am J Addict 2017;26:564-567).