However, prescribing opioids for chemically dependent individuals is a medical decision that requires particular knowledge and awareness. A recurrent problem for HPSP participants is the inappropriate use of pain medications. Treatment providers may be inexperienced or uncomfortable in this area. Failure to recognize addiction puts susceptible individuals at high risk for relapse. Similarly, the under-treatment of pain is considered poor medical care and grounds for practice concern.
Clinicians often differ on how they approach pain management in persons with addiction.
Statistics Physical dependence is a physiologic state in which abrupt cessation or the use of an opioid antagonist, results in withdrawal. This expected outcome does not, in and of itself, imply addiction. Tolerance is a neuroadaption indicated by the need for increased or more frequent doses to achieve the initial effects of the drug. It does not necessarily lead to addiction. Another issue is that some people with severe pain become intensely focused on their medication and tend to make mistakes with dosage and schedule.