Analgesic Response to Opioids in Patients with Addiction

Abstract

Clinicians are treating more and more patients who suffer substance abuse, addiction disorders, or opioid tolerance. Optimizing management of chronic or acute pain in such patients can be challenging. Substance abuse and addiction to a variety of illicit substances (marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines) is an increasing problem, with opioids being the most commonly abused. An understanding of the prevalence of this condition, as well as changes in opioid receptor function in the opioid-tolerant patient, facilitates effective treatment. There are several strategies to treat patients in this population effectively.