Faking Pain: A Tactic in the Struggle Against Opioid Withdrawal

What are the psychological and physiological factors that contribute to pseudo-opioid resistance in individuals with opioid addiction? Our counsellors are here to help you today.

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Pseudo-opioid resistance occur when individuals with sufficient painkilling dosages fakes discomfort in order to stop a decrease in their current dosages. This resistance refers to a phenomenon where individuals with opioid addiction may require higher doses of opioids to achieve pain relief or receive the desired effects of the drug. This occurrence is observed due to the changes opioids cause in the body, which alters its response to the medication. It’s important to note that pseudo-opioid resistance is different from true opioid tolerance.

  • Pseudo-opioid-resistant pain is when pain continues even after receiving the right dose of opioid medications. This issue often arises from misunderstandings between healthcare providers and patients about the pain being experienced, mistakes in how opioids are given or when patients or their families choose not to use opioids for treatment.
  • Overmorphinization refers to the negative effects of morphine, such as hallucinations, confusion, headaches, nausea, flushing, agitation and a sense of discomfort. In patients who are less aware due to these side effects, their reactions might be mistaken for signs of pain, leading to unnecessary increases in morphine dosage.
  • Opiate-irrelevant pain describes situations where pain complaints are less about physical issues and more about personal, psychological or spiritual distress. This type of pain isn’t effectively treated with opioids because its roots lie beyond physical causes.

In addiction recovery, medical professionals often encounter cases where pseudo-opioid resistance plays a role in the treatment process. This makes it trickier to determine the appropriate dosage for individuals trying to recover from opioid addiction. Adjusting the medication becomes important to managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings effectively.

In the past, there was limited awareness about the complexities of addiction and how it affects the body’s response to opioids. Over time, research and advancements in addiction medicine have shed light on pseudo-opioid resistance, helping healthcare providers tailor treatment plans accordingly.

When addressing pseudo-opioid resistance, healthcare professionals consider various factors such as an individual’s history of opioid use, the severity of their addiction and their overall health condition. This process aims to ensure that the treatment is effective, safe and minimises the risk of potential complications.

Faking Pain: A Tactic in the Struggle Against Opioid Withdrawal

What are the psychological and physiological factors that contribute to pseudo-opioid resistance in individuals with opioid addiction? Get help from qualified counsellors.

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