Chronic pain increases risk of opioid addiction

New York: People with moderate or more severe chronic pain are at 41 per cent higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders, according to a study. While males and younger adults are at an increased risk of prescription opioid use disorders, females and older adults are more likely to report pain, the study revealed. The researchers alysed data from a tiol survey of alcohol and substances used by more than 34,000 adults in two parts, three years apart.

At each point, they examined pain prescription opioid use disorders and other variables such as age, gender, anxiety or mood disorders and family history of drug, alcohol and behavioural problems.

“These findings indicate that adults who report moderate or more severe pain are at increased risk of becoming addicted to prescription opioids,” said Mark Olfson, Professor, Columbia University Medical Center in the US. (IANS)