"Chasing the pain relief, not the high": Experiences managing pain after opioid reductions among patients with HIV and a history of substance use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Opioid overdose mortality continues to increase in the United States despite significant investments to reverse the epidemic. The national response to-date has focused primarily on reducing opioid prescribing, yet reductions in prescribing have been associated with patients reporting uncontrolled pain, psychological distress, and transition to illicit substances. The aim of this study is to qualitatively explore chronic pain management experiences among PLWH with a history of illicit substance use after long-term opioid therapy reductions or discontinuations.

Methods

We analyzed 18 interviews, stopping upon reaching thematic saturation, with HIV-positive participants with a history of substance use who were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study to assess the imp

SUBMITTER: Behar E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7094831 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature