Addictions and Pain Management
Research in addictions at UB has been central to efforts to combat substance use disorders in the region, with a nationwide impact. The ongoing opioid epidemic has been fueled by the inundation of synthetic drugs and reliance on opioids for pain management.
The complex links between pain relief and addiction necessitate a multidisciplinary approach incorporating basic science, psychosocial and preventative aspects.
Understanding the Relationship Between Pain Relief and Addiction is Key
A survey by the US Department of Health and Human Services in 2023 found that >48 million people had a substance use disorder in the past year, and 167 million people (59.0% of those surveyed) reported use of an illicit and/or addictive drug in the previous month. However, only ~1.5 million Americans were treated for substance use in 2023. In New York State alone, ~6,000 individuals die each year from a drug overdose.
Understanding the complex relationship between pain relief and addiction is more important than ever. Individuals who experience acute or chronic pain may use opioid-based medications to manage their conditions and improve their quality of life, but these powerful drugs are addictive. Opioid dependency is associated with a staggering array of health problems and social afflictions, including overdose risks, mental and behavioral health struggles, family strife and disrupted lives.
Multidisciplinary Strategy
Efforts to combat substance use disorder and addiction span disciplines and involve partnerships with local, regional, state and national organizations. More than 150 UB researchers and clinicians across 23 departments and divisions address multiple aspects of addiction and pain, from exploring basic scientific mechanisms to developing new strategies for patient care.
UB collaborates with organizations throughout the region, including:
- NYS Department of Health
- Erie County Medical Center
- Kaleida Health/Great Lakes Health System
- Catholic Health System
- Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Program
- Horizon Health Services
- Renaissance House
- Evergreen Health
- BestSelf Agency
- Rochester ECHO Clinic
The recent reorganization of the Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions enables UB to advance toward a better understanding of pain perception and innovative strategies to avoid substance misuse. This effort requires cross-disciplinary collaborations with faculty from all the health science schools as well as the Schools of Education and Law and researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In 2016, , a clinical associate professor and physician of emergency medicine at UB, founded MATTERS (Medication Assisted Treatment and Emergency Referrals) as a better way to reach and treat individuals with opioid use disorder. MATTERS facilitates rapid referrals for individuals with opioid use disorder by connecting participating referral sites, receiving treatment organizations, peer support agencies and pharmacies all into one efficient process.