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

Uncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of a substance such as a drug or alcohol.

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.

A legal drug that is used to prevent, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition.

The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.