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.
