Papers of the Week

Understanding the risks for substance use disorders (SUDs) and how to diagnose and treat is essential to the safe and effective treatment of patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). Because of the common neurologic pathways underlying addiction and chronic pain and common comorbid mental health and psychosocial challenges, these conditions should be treated concurrently. Depending on setting and comfort level of the provider, primary care clinicians may have the resources to provide office-based treatment or may consider referral to specialty treatment. An awareness of the stigma facing patients with both CNCP and SUD is important to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.