By: Canadian Virtual Hospice Team

Won’t I become addicted?

• It’s very uncommon for people to become addicted to opioids when:
  • They’re used as prescribed in palliative care to manage symptoms.
• The body does become used to the medication, which means the dose may need to be increased. This is referred to as tolerance and is different from addiction.
• The healthcare provider can ask certain questions that will help them know if there’s a risk of addiction. 
• Addiction may happen if there’s an overwhelming preoccupation with getting more medication when there’s no medical need for it.
• A small number of people are at serious risk of becoming addicted.
• According to the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, a simple way to describe addiction “is the presence of the 4 Cs:
  • Craving
  • Loss of control of amount or frequency of use
  • Compulsion to use
  • Use despite consequences.”

I don’t want to start morphine too soon because it won’t work when I really need it.

• There’s no scientific or medical basis for this concern. 
• Opioids such as morphine can be used effectively in palliative care for as long as they’re needed.
• The best way to manage pain is to control it early.

Those drugs will speed up my disease.

• Opioids don’t affect how an illness progresses. They simply help to manage pain associated with the illness.

If I take morphine, I won’t be able to drive my car.

• If the medication makes you sleepy, then it isn’t safe to drive. 
• If the dose you’re taking is stable (no recent adjustments) and isn’t making you sleepy, then you’re probably safe to drive. 
• Check with your healthcare provider to be sure. 

Opioids in the home

• It is important to keep all medications in a safe place away from children and pets. Some people choose to have a lockbox in the home.

• Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the safe disposal of used opioid medication patches.
• Take unused opioids, that are no longer needed, to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

Content reviewed January 2023