A new study has found that patients with four common risk factors have a significantly higher risk of addiction to pain pills.
A history of severe drug dependence and drug abuse compounds the risk. Common risk factors for painkiller addiction in patients with chronic pain are age (under 65 years old), a history of drug abuse, depression, and use of psychiatric medications.
Addiction to painkillers among these patients is as high as 26 percent.
"These findings suggest that patients with pre-existing risk factors are more likely to become addicted to painkillers, providing the foundation for further clinical evaluation," said Joseph Boscarino, the lead study researcher.
"By assessing patients in chronic pain for these risk factors before prescribing painkillers, doctors will be better able to treat their patients’ pain without the potential for future drug addiction."
The study finds that the same risk factors may also influence drug addiction in patients without a history of chronic pain.
