Description

Howard is a 24 year-old male who presents to the clinic his wife for what he states is severe lower back pain. He states the pain is so bad that he rates it as a “50 out of 10.” He also tells you that due to a past medical history of an ulcer, he cannot take any medications “like Motrin.” He states that the pain is from a car accident in 2012, and that it flairs up and he needs pain medications. He also tells you that he has a high pain tolerance, and that when he gets pain meds he requires the higher doses.

1. You are concerned that this patient may have a substance abuse problem.

– What screening testing is available for you to use that is reliable and valid?
– What strategies would you suggest for this patient if he was found to have a problem with substance abuse?
– What type of referrals would you make for a patient with substance abuse problem?