Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options for Coexisting Chronic Non-Cancer Pain and Substance Use Disorder

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) presents significant challenges to physicians and when combined with co-occurring diseases such as substance use disorder (SUD) the challenge becomes magnified. It is important that the physician realizes that both CNCP and SUD are diseases of the brain, mind, body, and spirit and, therefore, consideration of the whole person and their life experience is essential. In formulating a treatment plan, the physician should remember the cognitive and emotional changes that have occurred as a result of the disease’s effect upon the and mind. The proper treatment of the patient should also include treatment of chronic stress and its consequences. The physician should be aware of the alternative modalities such as mind-body, psychosocial, and technology based treatments. Many are available to the patient locally and can also be accessed through the internet. Physicians who treat complex CNCP patients should begin to implement these modalities in a comprehensive treatment plan that restores balance to the patient with CNCP and SUD and allows the patient to become an active participant in their care.

Keywords: Brain, Chronic non-cancer pain, Cognition, Mind-body therapy Nociceptor, Substance use disorder.