Issues in Long-term Opioid Therapy: Unmet Needs, Risks, and Solutions Steven D. Passik, PhD Mayo Clinic Proceedings Volume 84, Issue 7, Pages 593-601 (July 2009) DOI: 10.4065/84.7.593 Copyright © 2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions
FIGURE 1 Prescription opioid users and continuum of behavior. SUD = substance use disorder. From Exp Clin Psychopharmacol.11 Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2009 84, 593-601DOI: (10.4065/84.7.593) Copyright © 2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions
FIGURE 2 Stepladder approach to pain control. In this approach to treating pain, based on the WHO stepladder, treatment options are matched to level of pain. Opioids are considered for moderate-to-severe pain or out-of-control pain. For refractory pain, spinal opioids are among the options considered. IV = intravenous; NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Adapted from Anesth Analg,17with permission. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2009 84, 593-601DOI: (10.4065/84.7.593) Copyright © 2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Terms and Conditions