This thesis focusses on (treatment of) addiction to strong prescription painkillers (opioids) in patients with chronic pain. Firstly, we found that opioid use in the Netherlands is stable, and there is no crisis like in the US. We also observed that patients with chronic pain and opioid addiction often experience mood disorders, which increase their overall disease burden. Finally, we compared different treatment options. Treatment involves tapering opioids or switching to another opioid (buprenorphine or methadone). It is not yet clear which of these medications is preferable.
Treatment of prescription opioid use disorder in patients with chronic pain
Monday 15 June 2026, 10:30 am- PhD candidate
- H. Ellerbroek
- Promotor(s)
- prof. dr. A.F.A. Schellekens, prof. dr. C. Kramers, prof. dr. A. Dahan
- Co-promotor(s)
- dr. S.A.S. van den Heuvel
- Organisation
- Faculty of Medical Sciences (Radboudumc), Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour
- Location
- Aula