author/presenter Crimean State Medical University named after S.I.Georgivesky Nawan Shaher, Punjab
Background: Tapering opioids in patients with chronic non-cancer pain remains a complex clinical task, often accompanied by patient resistance, fear of increased pain, and functional decline. While guidelines encourage gradual reduction, few studies have explored the effectiveness of multimodal tapering strategies in everyday clinical settings. This study reviews outcomes from an integrated tapering program that emphasizes behavioral and non-pharmacologic therapies alongside medical oversight.
Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore how a multidisciplinary opioid tapering program, applied in a real-world chronic pain setting, can help patients reduce opioid use safely. The objective is to examine whether combining behavioral therapies and non-pharmacologic treatments—such as CBT, physical therapy, acupuncture, and mindfulness—can support tapering without worsening pain, while also improving function. By evaluating patient outcomes over six months, this study aims to provide practical insights for clinicians seeking effective, patient-centered strategies for opioid reduction in everyday practice.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients enrolled in a chronic pain clinic between January 2023 and December 2024. Eligible participants had persistent pain for over six months and had been on long-term opioids. The tapering program included cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, acupuncture, and mindfulness-based interventions. Key outcomes at six months included change in daily opioid dose (MME), pain intensity (numeric rating scale), and physical function (PROMIS-10).
Results: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients enrolled in a chronic pain clinic between January 2023 and December 2024. Eligible participants had persistent pain for over six months and had been on long-term opioids. The tapering program included cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, acupuncture, and mindfulness-based interventions. Key outcomes at six months included change in daily opioid dose (MME), pain intensity (numeric rating scale), and physical function (PROMIS-10).
Conclusions/Implications for future research and/or clinical care: Multimodal, team-based tapering strategies can support meaningful opioid reduction without worsening pain. Functional outcomes suggest that integrating behavioral and complementary therapies helps patients adapt to lower opioid use while improving quality of life.
