Fact sheet: Opioid Tolerance and Addiction

Posted bytEXtAMSPosted inFact Sheets and Nursing Bullets
  • Opioid tolerance:
    • Common in patients receiving long-term opioid therapy
    • Not the same as addiction
    • May require careful medication administration
  • Addiction to opioids:
    • Rare
    • Should not be the focus of pain management efforts
  • Importance of proper pain assessment and management:
    • Consider both risks and benefits of using opioids
    • Have open communication with patient about pain management plan
    • Be aware of potential signs of opioid abuse or misuse
  • Consider a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches
  • Ongoing assessment and communication with patient
  • Proper management of pain and opioid use can help ensure best possible outcomes for patient

Published by tEXtAMS

Nurse by profession. Teacher by heart.