ABSTRACT
Pain is the most common complaint presenting to the clinician’s office (1). Approximately 50 to 70 million people in the United States suffer pain that is undertreated or not treated at all (2). Three to 16% of the American population has the disease of addiction (3). Therefore, four to six million Americans with a history of addiction may have pain. Opioids may be indicated in a small percentage of these patients with moderate to severe pain. However, this population may be at higher risk for relapse if opioids are used as part of the treatment plan.
