Pain Management and Substance Use Disorders

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing and the International Nurses Society on Addictions hold the position that persons with co-occurring pain and substance use disorder have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and receive evidence-based, high-quality assessment and management for both conditions using an integrated, holistic, multidimensional approach. Non-opioid and nonphar-macological approaches to pain management are recommended. Opioids should not be withheld from anyone if necessary to treat pain, and a team-based approach, including pain and addiction specialists, should be utilized when possible. Pain management should include interventions aimed at minimizing the risk for relapse or escalation of problematic substance use, and actively involve the person and their support persons in the plan of care. Institutions should establish policies and procedures that support this position statement.(c) 2022 Dr. Timothy Joseph Sowicz. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing and the International Nurses Society on Addictions emphasize the importance of integrated, holistic approaches for individuals with co-occurring pain and substance use disorders. They recommend non-opioid and non-pharmacological methods for pain management and stress the need for a team-based approach involving pain and addiction specialists. The goal is to provide evidence-based, high-quality assessment and management that minimizes the risk of relapse or escalation of problematic substance use.