Definitions Related to the Use of Opioids for the Treatment of Pain

An agreement document from the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine

Varying use of the terms addiction, dependence and tolerance, often results in misunderstandings between regulators, health care providers, patients and the general public, regarding the use of medications for the treatment of pain. Because of these misunderstandings, pain is often under-treated and individuals may be branded because of their use of opioids for medical purposes.
The Liaison Committee on Pain and Addiction (CPA) has developed definitions related to the use of medications for the treatment of pain that are consistent with current understanding of related biology of the nervous system, the study of drugs and suitable clinical practice. The ultimate goal of this project is to achieve acceptance and use of uniform definitions by clinicians, regulators and the public, both nationally and internationally, in order to promote suitable treatment of pain throughout the world. The definitions have been approved by each of the three collaborating organizations.
The Liaison Committee on Pain and Addiction is a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The committee members included Seddon Savage, MD, Chair; Edward C. Covington, MD; Howard A. Heit, MD; John Hunt, MD; David Joranson, MSSW; and Sidney H. Schnoll, MD PhD. To read the rest of this article, Please go to this link http://www.ampainsoc.org