Psychotherapeutic interventions for chronic pain: Evidence, rationale, and advantages (original) (raw)

Background Long-term use of opioids to treat chronic pain incurs serious risks for the individual-including misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose and death-as well as creating economic, social, and cultural impacts on society as a whole. Chronic pain and substance use disorders are often co-morbid with other medical problems and at the present time, primary care clinicians serve most of this population. Primary care clinicians would benefit from having alternatives to opioids to employ in treating such patients. Method We electronically searched different medical databases for studies evaluating the effect of nonpharmacological treatments for chronic pain. We describe alternative approaches for the treatment of chronic pain and cite studies that provide substantial evidence in favor of the use of these treatments. Results Cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based programs have well-documented effectiveness for the treatment of chronic nonmal...