. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2007 Dec 10.

Published in final edited form as: J Subst Abuse Treat. 2007 Jan 9;32(4):399–409. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2006.10.005

Table 1.

Common reasons cited for inadequate treatment of pain among patients with recognized drug dependence

Physician concerns

Drug seeking by patients

Diversion

Relapse to substance abuse

Legal repercussions

Inadequate skills

Unavailability of specialists

Patient concerns

Relapse to substance abuse

Anticipated physical discomforts (thinking that medicines will be injected; fearing side effects)

Concerns about insurance coverage/cost

Fearing accusations of malingering

Perceived “weakness” in taking medications for pain