Proactive Pain Practice Part 3: Perioperative Pain Conversations in Patients with SUD or Long-Term Opioid Therapy
Patients with substance use disorder (SUD) or those receiving long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) often face unique challenges during the perioperative period, including altered pain tolerance, opioid dependence, and increased risk of relapse or complications. This webinar provides practical, patient-centered guidance for clinicians on how to proactively educate and counsel these patients about realistic pain expectations, multimodal pain strategies, and safe opioid use before and after surgery. Participants will gain communication tools and structured approaches to reduce stigma, build trust, and support safer, more effective perioperative pain management and recovery.