Patients who have a history of substance abuse can be treated successfully for chronic pain. Although studies have not yet been done, it is assumed that these patients may be more likely than patients without a drug history to abuse a pain medication or become addicted to it.

Glossary Terms

Pain that can range from mild to severe, and persists or progresses over a long period of time.

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.