Chronic Pain and Substance Abuse Robert Martin, J.D., CEAP Clay Kessler, Chronic Pain Counselor II

Chronic Pain and the EAP Everyday EAPs encounter people hurt on or off the job. Many of these people have conditions that require chronic pain treatment. Prolonged treatment with opiate based medication will always lead to physical dependence. How does the EAP identify addiction? Participants will learn how to properly assess, educate and communicate with the client, medical or treatment professional, and the employer. Participants will also learn about treatment opportunities, medication assisted recovery, drug testing and assessing treatment outcomes, and will be exposed to options to educate the chronic pain patient and how to develop a treatment agreement.

Painkiller sales SOAR Nationwide Pharmacists dispensed 69 tons of pure oxycodone 42 tons of hydrocodone That is 40 5mg Percocets and 24 5mg Vicodins to everyone

Prescription drug monitoring In 2006 only 20 states In 2012 now 40 states No federal monitoring and little interdiscipline communication.

How BIG is the Problem 32% of Chronic pain patients have addictive disorder 36% experience disabling pain in previous year 56% of people 20 yoa and older had pain for more than three months 57% of people 65 yoa and older had pain for more than twelve months 29 – 60% of opiate addicts report chronic pain