Physician introduction to opioids for pain among patients with opioid dependence and depressive symptoms.
This study determined the frequency of reporting being introduced to opioids by a physician among opioid-dependent patients. Cross-sectional analyses were performed using baseline data from a cohort of opioid addicts seeking treatment with buprenorphine. The primary outcome was a response to the question: "Who introduced you to opiates?" Covariates included sociodemographics, depression, pain, and current and prior substance use. Of 140 participants, 29% reported that they had been introduced to opioids by a physician. Of those who were introduced to opioids by a physician, all indicated that they had initially used opioids for pain, versus only 11% of those who did not report being introduced to opioids by a physician (p < .01). There was no difference in current pain (78% vs. 85%, p = .29); however, participants who were introduced to opioids by a physician were more likely to have chronic pain (63% vs. 43%, p = .04). A substantial proportion of individuals with opioid dependence seeking treatment may have been introduced to opioids by a physician.
Tsui
Judith I
JI
Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA. judith.tsui@bmc.org
Herman
Debra S
DS
Kettavong
Malyna
M
Alford
Daniel
D
Anderson
Bradley J
BJ
Stein
Michael D
MD
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment / Q000379:methods; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D002047:Buprenorphine