PAINKILLER ADDICTION INFORMATION NETWORK
PAIN is a new charity with the aim of advancing awareness of addiction to opioid painkiller medications in the UK and globally, particularly by the dissemination of information, educational events and as an advocacy service for patients with dependency issues.
PAIN aims to achieve our objectives by developing the following services. These may potentially be:
Education
To raise awareness among healthcare professionals and services, people and their loved-ones about Opioid Painkiller Dependence (OPD) to either prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Help & Support
To signpost advice and resources to those suffering from dependence to their opioid painkillers, and their loved ones. To progress towards establishing a helpline for anyone who is worried about developing possible dependence, or a family member of loved one who may be concerned about someone.
Identification
To advise healthcare services on the possible development and delivery of services specifically for OPD patients. To progress towards creating an online screening tool for potential OPD patients, and the collection of data to build a more robust picture of prevalence and patient needs.
Advocacy
Lobbying for change to services to include the provision of needs specifically for OPD patients, identifying OPD patients more effectively and that these patients are given access to appropriate treatment for their condition. To help and support the development of recovery pathways. To work towards becoming a resource for those people who are worried about the risks of dependence themselves, or for a family member or loved one.
Integrated Partnerships
To make connections and collaborations with other bodies, such as commissioners, stakeholders, clinical services, treatment services, patient advocacy groups, professional bodies, and charities who work towards a shared goal. PAIN believes in innovation through collaboration.
Campaigning
To have a voice in both national and international discussions about OPD and its effects on patient populations and the wider social and family networks. To have a voice in the formulation of specific and appropriate treatment and recovery pathways for OPD patients.