Chronic Pain and the Opioid Epidemic

These flashcards focus on the vocabulary and key concepts related to chronic pain management and the opioid epidemic as discussed in the lecture.

Chronic Pain

A long-term pain that persists beyond the usual healing time or occurs frequently.

Subjective Pain

Pain that is felt and experienced personally by an individual, differing from person to person.

Opioids

Powerful pain medications derived from the opium poppy or synthesized to mimic opium's effects.

Phantom Limb

A sensation where an individual feels pain or discomfort in an amputated limb.

Pain Scale

A numeric or descriptive scale used to measure the intensity of pain experienced by a person.

Physical Dependence

A physiological state resulting from chronic use of a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is absent.

Addiction

A compulsive behavior characterized by a strong desire to engage in a behavior or consume a substance despite negative consequences.

Gabapentin

A medication used to treat nerve pain and seizures, often prescribed when opioids are ineffective.

Euphoria

A feeling of intense happiness or pleasure, often associated with opioid use.

Stigma

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person, such as addiction.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical and mental effects experienced when a dependent individual reduces or stops using a substance.

Bayer

German company that trademarked heroin in 1898, claiming it was not addictive.

Oxycontin

A prescription opioid medication approved in 1996, marketed as a less addictive alternative.