Some doctors are unwilling to give cancer patients enough pain killers and patients themselves are worried about drug addiction. The federal government has recognized this problem and is helping encourage better pain control. Narcotics given for severe pain do not cause addiction. These drugs may cause drug dependence, which is not a serious problem. Dependence means that the body cells need a constant amount of narcotic to prevent withdrawal.
Addiction is drug seeking behavior that is destructive.
Not only is it necessary to prescribe sufficient amounts of narcotics to patients, but treating other problems, particularly depression is important. Depression is a common and understandable symptom in cancer patients that can greatly decrease chances of survival and ruin a person's quality of life. Psychotherapy and social service support as well as anxiety reducing drugs are very helpful. We recommend some of the very effective antidepressant drugs. Depression, anxiety and fear increase pain.