Individuals with lower pain severity, shorter pain duration, and heightened concerns about opioids may be more motivated to consider reducing or discontinuing opioid use for managing chronic pain.

The following is a summary of “Patient Motivation to Reduce or Discontinue Opioids for Chronic Pain,” published in the January 2024 issue of Pain by Crouch et al.

This study sought to evaluate the levels and determinants of self-efficacy and motivation in altering opioid use among patients experiencing chronic pain, in addition to exploring barriers reported by patients in the discontinuation of opioids. A community sample of individuals utilizing opioids for chronic pain conditions was recruited via ResearchMatch.org. A series of self-report questionnaires encompassing demographic information, medical history, pain treatment details, and attitudes towards altering opioid use were administered. Statistical analyses, including multiple regression and analyses of variance, were performed to identify predictors influencing readiness and self-efficacy toward changing opioid consumption. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was undertaken to extract themes from participants’ responses to an open-ended query concerning factors necessary for considering opioid discontinuation.

The final sample comprised 119 participants, predominantly female (78.2%), Caucasian (77.3%), and well-educated individuals. Readiness and self-efficacy to reduce or discontinue opioid use, measured on a 0 to 10 Visual Analog Scale, ranged from 2.6 to 3.8, notably higher for reduction than cessation (P<0.01). Lower pain severity and increased opioid-related concern were associated with higher readiness for change, while shorter pain duration predicted enhanced self-efficacy. Qualitative analyses highlighted the primary requirement for considering opioid discontinuation, which predominantly centered on the availability of alternative treatment options.

The findings suggest that individuals with lower pain severity, shorter pain duration, and heightened concerns about opioids may present as prime candidates for interventions focused on opioid tapering and discontinuation. Targeting these specific factors might prove instrumental in enhancing patients’ motivation to undertake changes in opioid use for managing chronic pain.

Source: journals.lww.com/clinicalpain/abstract/2024/01000/patient_motivation_to_reduce_or_discontinue.3.aspx