Frequently held misconceptions regarding opioid use can interfere with the delivery of optimal patient care. The incidence of addiction is also low when opioids are used to treat chronic nonmalignant pain. The therapeutic goal should be to improve functionality. The fact is that about one-half of patients with chronic pain syndromes not controlled by other means can have a beneficial response to opioids and improve their functionality and their life. Similarly, for patients with terminal diseases, opioids should be used as early as necessary to control moderate to severe pain.
Patients can continue to use opioids for pain management for years or decades.
And then there is the myth that a patient cannot work or do normal activities when taking opioids. Well, again, the fact is that patients with severe pain have difficulty or find it impossible to perform normal activities. This includes maintaining normal relationships. By achieving adequate pain management, they can often resume normal activities within the confines of their underlying disease process as opposed to being limited by their pain. In many states laws prohibit driving if the driver is impaired by any drug.