Opioids – pain medication

What are opioids?

Opioids, or opiates, are a group of drugs that are prescribed for moderate to severe pain. They are very effective for short term pain relief and in end-of-life treatment, however there is very little evidence that they are effective for long term pain relief.

Examples of opioids include (but not limited to); codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol, morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone.

Why focus on opioid prescribing?

There has been an increase in the prescribing of opioids in some longer-term conditions and in Lincolnshire the percentage of patients taking opioids is significantly higher than the national average.

This can be seen particularly in our coastal areas, where we have an increased older population, with a mixture of different health conditions.

Person with circles demonstrating pain points | We know that the use of opioids is only effective in managing pain for a small m=number of patients with long term conditions - usually low doses, used intermittently.

We know that the use of opioids is only effective in managing pain for a small number of patients with long term conditions – usually low doses, used intermittently.

People can unfortunately get used to pain relief and develop an increased tolerance to the drugs as a consequence. This in turn can make someone reliant, and feel they need to increase their doses to manage pain.

When used appropriately opioids are a safe way to control pain, however, higher doses can increase the risk of serious complications and other medical conditions.

The risk is particularly higher in people who are middle aged, have a history of substance misuse and psychiatric conditions.

However, it can affect anyone.

  • Empowered Relief – Free pain workshops

    We are pleased to have been able to now extend our free pain workshops for people living in Lincolnshire, following a successful pilot earlier this year.

    These workshops are part of Lincolnshire’s NHS work to provide alternatives to medications for people living with chronic non-cancer pain.

    There is substantial evidence that non-pharmacological support for non-cancer chronic pain is safer and often more effective for managing symptoms and should be explored as a first step before prescribing.

    Empowered Relief™ is an evidence-based, 2-hour virtual workshop on pain that rapidly equips people with the skills to effectively manage their pain. The session covers:

    • How pain is processed in the brain and how to best manage it
    • Simple skills that people can use everyday
    • Creating a personalised plan for long-term relief

    Our next workshop is being held on Friday 22nd March 2024, between 10am and 12noon. The sessions are virtual and take place over Microsoft Teams. Patients can attend either workshop, which will be delivered by Dr Graham Dunthorne a Specialist Pain Management GP in the county, from the comfort of their own home.

    We would like as many patients as possible to join, so would appreciate primary care colleagues sharing this opportunity widely, particularly considering any patients who may find this beneficial.

    Patients should register their interest by using the following link Empowered Relief Lincolnshire - Registration Friday 22nd March 2024 (office.com)