RELIEVE - Research into Effective treatments for pain and opioid dependence incorporating LIved Experience Voices and Evidence

Investigators: Prof Suzanne Nielsen, Clare Davies, A/Prof Claire Ashton-James, Dr Rhiannon Dowla, A/Prof Megan Lim, A/Prof Bridin Murnion, Prof Paul Glare, Jie Yang, Sarah Lord, Prof Paul Dietze, A/Prof Peter Higgs, Dr Bosco Rowland, Dr Paul MacCartney, Dr Louisa Picco, Dr Ali Cheetham, Sione Crawford, Prof Dan Lubman, Andrea Fischer, Lisa Jarvie, Prof Apo Demirkol, Prof Dennis Petrie

Almost one in two people in opioid dependence treatment (i.e., prescribed buprenorphine or methadone) have current chronic non-cancer pain. Yet, despite the high prevalence, chronic pain is often severe and undertreated in people with opioid dependence. A critical gap exists in the management of co-occurring pain and opioid dependence in Australia and multidisciplinary pain treatment approaches are needed for people with opioid dependence.

In this study, the research team will employ a two-stage research approach to firstly co-design and then test a non-pharmacological pain management program with consumers (i.e., individuals with chronic pain and opioid dependence) and service providers (i.e., drug treatment or pain management clinicians).

By developing and testing a complimentary suite of feasible, accessible, and effective nonpharmacological pain management approaches, this project aims to design an innovative pain management program for people with concurrent chronic pain and opioid dependence, which will translate into health benefits through improved pain treatment.

Funder: Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF)

This project is a collaboration between Monash University, the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre, University of Sydney, Burnet Institute, Harm Reduction Victoria, cohealth, Turning Point, and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Drug and Alcohol Services.