Our experience with treatment of chronic pain and alcohol use disorder
S. Momirović, L. Ilić, J. Djokić, I. NikolićIntroduction
In alcohol use disorder (AUD), chronic painful conditions are seen more often than in general population. Usually is associated with relapse of primary illness. Patients are very manipulative, and that makes problem in treatment.
Objectives
The aim of our study was the intersection of the state of therapy and therapeutic response in patients with chronic pain and AUD.
Methods
This study includes 56 patients treated at the Department for male alcoholism in the SPH “Slavoljub Bakalovic” in Vršac during their hospitalization from April 2024 to August 2025.
Results
The average age of the patients was 52 years (24-80), and the duration of symptoms was from 3 months to 20 years (average 5 years and 2 months). Localization was mainly in the area of the lower back (21), lumboischialgia (20), thoracolumbal (7) and only in the extremities (6). According to the type of pain, the majority (52) had predominantly neuropathic pain. The average value of pain intensity on the VAS scale was 4 (4.28±0.97). All patients were treated with non-steroidal analgesics and benzodiazepines (expect one of them). Along with the mentioned therapy, 19 (34%) patients received a coanalgetic from the group of anticonvulsants and 26 (46%) from the group of antidepressants. Few patients (10) used before and during the hospitalizations supplement based on Mg and vitamin B complex. A good therapeutic response was achieved in 35 patients (reduction of pain on the VAS scale by 2 or more points), partial in 9 patients (reduction of pain on the VAS scale by 1 point). In 12 patients, the prescribed therapy did not reduce pain.
Conclusions
Chronic pain syndromes in AUD is more frequent than in general population, and early detection and good therapy protocol is very important to reduce symptoms. Pain treatment protocol for AUD patients must be made individually for each patient in order to achieve an adequate therapeutic response and avoid interaction with other drugs in the therapy of AUD. With a well-balanced therapy, a good therapeutic response in pain reduction can be achieved.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared