Prescription pain medications are a blessing for many patients.
Unfortunately, they're also dangerous if used incorrectly.

If you are a patient in chronic pain, you rely on your doctor to treat you appropriately. In turn, your doctor trusts you will use your medication responsibly. Together, you share a responsibility to protect against the abuse and illegal diversion of these medications. 

These important obligations belong in writing. In keeping with national guidelines, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia encourages doctors and patients to use written opioid treatment agreements to clarify these joint responsibilities.

Sample Opioid Treatment Agreement for use by doctors

• PDF Version
• Editable MS-Word Version

Useful reading for doctors on opioid agreements and chronic non-cancer pain

• Opioid Treatment Agreements for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain (Endorsed by the College)
• Methadone Maintenance Treatment Handbook - A publication of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
• College Guidelines for the Use of Controlled Substances in the Treatment of Pain
• Journal Article: "Issues in long-term opioid therapy: unmet needs, risks, and solutions" (PubMed)
• Journal Article: "Management of opioid medications in patients with chronic pain and risk of substance misuse" (PubMed)

Contacts for doctors

• Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program (Information on registering opioid treatment contracts and access to prescribing profiles)
• Information for family physicians: Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services: Capital Health
• Nova Scotia pain clinics
• Withdrawal Management (Detox): Capital District Health Authority
• Professional Support Program: Doctors Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia municipal police departments and RCMP detachments

Contacts for patients

• Nova Scotia provincial addiction services offices
• Withdrawal Management (Detox): Capital District Health Authority

"Good Pill, Bad Pill" poster for doctors' offices

• Size: 8 1/2 x 11"
• Size: 11 × 17"

"Why Only One Month Refill for Pain Medication?" poster for doctors' offices

• Size: 8 1/2 x 11"

For more information about "Good Pill, Bad Pill"

Contact Information: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia