In many chronic conditions, such as low back pain and migraine headache, the goal is often to control, rather than eliminate, pain. In helping a person deal with chronic pain, it is important to address psychological and social factors such as physical inactivity, inability to work, and social isolation. When available, a multidisciplinary team can be most effective in helping a person to manage pain. Other Medical Uses Narcotics have uses other than to treat pain. They are valuable as cough suppressants.
Constipation is a side-effect of narcotics that can be useful in treating severe diarrhea.
Some narcotic analgesics are used to treat drug addiction and dependence. Methadone has been used for many years to treat narcotics addicts. The person becomes addicted to the methadone but now has a stable supply of legal narcotic and often is then able to participate in other aspects of treatment, live a more normal life, and obtain employment. Methadone has a number of advantages over other narcotics. It can be taken orally.