A new scientific review looking at 4.3 million adult chronic pain patients treated with prescription opioid painkillers has found that nearly one in ten patients experiences opioid dependence or opioid use disorder and nearly one in three shows symptoms of dependence and opioid use disorder. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol and published in the scientific journal, Addiction.
Dr. Martyn Hull, GP and Clinical Director at Turning Point said:
“This study provides useful additional evidence on the potential harm caused by prescription opioids.
Despite good progress in reducing the prescribing of these drugs in primary care in England over the last few years, there are currently limited options for people with severe chronic pain and there is a clear need for improved access to both multidisciplinary pain clinics and evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment options such as physiotherapy. Additionally, psychological therapies for those with chronic pain should be more widely available.
There is also a very obvious gap in provision for those dependent on prescription opioids, many of whom have a complex mix of physical and mental health issues. There are pockets of good practice in England but, in the main, community drug and alcohol treatment services are not commissioned to provide support.
For those patients who have developed a dependency on prescription opioids, we need to take a more joined-up approach with specialists in the areas of pain, addictions and mental health working together to provide dedicated support for this group.”