NHS Clinic Helps Patients Reduce Painkiller Use

Chronic pain affects thousands in Scotland, prompting NHS Fife to address the high prescription rates of addictive medications like codeine and morphine. The health board is shifting its focus towards a broader range of treatments aimed at reducing patients' reliance on these powerful drugs. Many individuals, like Suzie, who live with persistent pain, report that it significantly impacts their daily lives, relationships, and self-esteem. While she still uses some medication, Suzie has found relief through alternative therapies, including meditation and breathing techniques, offered at Fife’s pain clinic. The use of high-risk pain medications (HRPM), such as opioids and benzodiazepines, has raised concerns about dependency and withdrawal symptoms. The Faculty of Pain Medicine estimates that 8% to 10% of patients may struggle with addiction to opioids prescribed for chronic pain. Deborah Steven, Fife's lead pharmacist for pain management, emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in treatment approaches, as recent findings suggest that these medications are less effective for long-term pain management than previously thought. Steven, who has studied chronic pain for over two decades, warns that expecting complete pain relief from medication can lead to frustration. Patients like Charlie have shared their experiences of heavy medication use, describing feelings of being "zombie-like." With psychological support, he has successfully reduced his reliance on painkillers and learned to manage his pain more effectively, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care in chronic pain management.