Cognitive-Affective Transdiagnostic Factors Associated with Vulnerability to Alcohol and Prescription Opioid Use in the Context of Pain

Target audience and instructional level of this course: Intermediate

There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support related to this CE program.

Course Description

The article explores the interplay between chronic pain, alcohol use, and prescription opioid use, highlighting significant cognitive-affective factors. It identifies pain-related anxiety, catastrophizing, distress intolerance, and anxiety sensitivity as key vulnerabilities driving substance use in response to pain and negative affect. The review emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between pain and substance use, with each worsening the other over time. It calls for future research on simultaneous alcohol-opioid use, motivational factors, and integrated interventions. Addressing maladaptive cognitive and emotional responses could improve treatment outcomes for those struggling with pain and substance-related disorders.

Learning Objectives

After completing this training the professional will be able to:

1. Define and describe the cognitive-affective vulnerabilities associated with alcohol and prescription opioid use in the context of chronic pain, including pain-related anxiety, catastrophizing, distress intolerance, and anxiety sensitivity.
2. Outline and summarize the reciprocal relationship between chronic pain and substance use and identify key components of integrated interventions targeting maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Author(s)/Reference(s)

Emily L Zale
Jessica M Powers
Joseph W Ditre

1. Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York.
2. Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.