Abstract

Stigma associated with having chronic pain, especially when opioid therapy is used as a treatment modality, is a major concern and has far-reaching effects on patients and all those involved in their care. The different facets of stigma at the patient, provider, and social levels collectively serve as a significant barrier to effective treatment of chronic pain. There is a growing body of empirical research into stigmatization and the resulting barriers to care. Studies suggest that patients who are receiving or who have previously received long-term opioid therapy for nonmalignant pain face both subtle and overt stigma from their family, friends, co-workers, the health care system, and society at large for their opioid treatment modality.