Mindfulness for Chronic Pain and Prescription Opioid Misuse

Opioid medication for chronic pain can be an effective treatment. Most patients take the medication as prescribed, however some individuals can become addicted to the drug, leading to opioid misuse. Prescription opioid misuse is a significant public health concern that can result in severe health and psychological risks. 

An intervention that has shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain patients' misuse of opioids is Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE)- a  therapeutic approach that integrates mindfulness training, cognitive reappraisal skills, and positive emotion regulation. The therapy is designed to adjust patient’s attention, alter habits and control emotional and stress responses.

In a recent randomised control trial 115 patients, suffering from both chronic pain and opioid misuse, were assigned to attend either eight MORE group sessions or general support group therapy. 

Results from the study found that MORE significantly reduced symptoms associated with chronic pain and prescription opioid misuse. They also found that participants in the MORE group were more likely to report a decrease in pain severity and pain-related interference with daily life compared to the support group.

The researchers believe that the success of MORE treatment was a result of changes in response to natural, pain and drug related cues.

The results of the study highlight the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions as a potential treatment for co-occurring prescription opioid misuse and chronic pain.