Stimulant use and opioid-related harm in patients on long-term opioids for chronic pain

Original research
by
Appa, Ayesha et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

To determine if a positive urine drug test (UDT) for stimulants was associated with subsequent opioid-related harm or discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT).

Findings/Key points

Despite no association between a stimulant-positive UDT and subsequent opioid-related harm, there was an association with subsequent LTOT discontinuation, with heterogeneity across clinical groups. Detection of stimulant use should result in a discussion of substance use and risk, rather than reflex LTOT discontinuation.

Design/methods

Retrospective cohort study (n=600).

Keywords

Stimulants
Chronic pain
Outcomes