Psychological treatments for comorbid chronic pain and opioid use disorder: Current research and future directions

Abstract

Chronic pain and opioid use disorder cause significant social, physical, and economic burdens on individuals and society. Historically, chronic pain and opioid use disorder have been treated individually, yet they often are comorbid conditions and treatment targeting both concurrently might improve outcomes. This article reviewed psychological treatment approaches for comorbid chronic pain and opioid use disorder. Treatments were classified as cognitive behavioral therapy-based, mindfulness-based, or integrated treatments. Treatments were primarily delivered in-person other than a cognitive behavioral digital health approach. Mindfulness-based and integrated interventions demonstrated the best outcomes. Given the significant public health burden from comorbid chronic pain and opioid use disorder, there is an urgent need for increased research and implementation of psychological treatments for these conditions.