Acute Effects of Alcohol Use on Chronic Orofacial Pain

Acute Effects of Alcohol Use on Chronic Orofacial Pain

Self-medication of pain with alcohol is a common, yet risky, behavior among individuals with chronic orofacial pain. Chronic pain status may affect the degree to which alcohol use relieves pain, but the independent contributions of pain chronification and alcohol-related expectations and conditioning have not been previously studied. This project addresses this gap in knowledge and will inform further research and clinical/translational efforts for reducing risk associated with these behaviors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Positive diagnosis of jaw pain, including temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMD) (jaw pain group only)
• Consume at least 1 drink/month over the past 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of chronic pain other than jaw pain or TMD
• Current use of opioids
• Current major depression
• History of any psychotic disorder
• Undercontrolled hypertension or diabetes
• History of neurologic disease
• History of serious medical illness
• History of drug or alcohol dependence, including nicotine, or a pattern of hazardous alcohol use