Factors associated with long-term opioid therapy discontinuation for people with chronic non-cancer pain in UK primary care: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
This study identified key characteristics of people with chronic non-cancer pain who are more likely to discontinue long-term opioid therapy.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with chronic non-cancer pain receiving long-term opioid therapy (L-TOT) in UK primary care, Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum (2000–2020)
- Participants
- 573,639 L-TOT users
- Outcome
- L-TOT discontinuation (opioid-free for ≥180 days after an L-TOT)
- Follow-up
- Within the first year
Methodological detailspopulation-based, mixed-effects logistic models with random intercept for general practice
- Population-based
- Mixed-effects logistic models with random intercept for general practice
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Factors associated with L-TOT discontinuation (opioid-free ≥180 days)
Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI)P value
Asians
1.31(1.23–1.39)
P < 0.001Blacks
1.21(1.13–1.31)
P < 0.001Non-smokers
1.09(1.05–1.12)
P < 0.001Living in the least deprived area
1.09(1.04–1.14)
P < 0.001Using weak and short-acting opioids
1.50(1.39–1.61)
Co-existing osteoarthritis
1.06(1.02–1.11)
P = 0.003Anxiety
1.04(1.01–1.07)
P = 0.003Co-using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
1.06(1.03–1.09)
P < 0.001Co-using benzodiazepines
1.08(1.05–1.11)
P < 0.001- L-TOT users who discontinued within the first year (n=29 589)
- 5.2%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Factors associated with long-term opioid therapy discontinuation for people with chronic non-cancer pain in UK primary care: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Br J Anaesth. Published 15 October 2025. doi:10.
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