Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Pain affects both the body and emotional well-being, often leading to sadness or a loss of interest in activities. In 2021, over 50 million adults in the United States experienced chronic pain. Pain can be acute (lasting less than one month), subacute (1 to 3 months), or chronic (over 3 months).
Evidence indicates that non-opioid treatments can be safer and just as effective as opioids for many common types of pain. Health professionals are advised to prioritize non-pharmacological and non-opioid pharmacological treatments according to the medical condition and patient needs. Opioids should only be considered when their expected benefits outweigh the risks.
Open communication with your healthcare provider is important for safe, effective pain management. Patients should discuss concerns about opioid use and review alternative treatment strategies. While anyone using opioids may be at risk of overdose, several factors can increase this risk. Non-opioid treatments may offer a better benefit-risk profile.
Understanding non-opioid options can help identify effective pain treatments with fewer side effects. Psychological and social aspects of pain are often better addressed by non-opioid therapies. Open communication supports personalized choices and helps reduce risks in pain management.