Self-regulation of analgesics: A single case study

Medication intake in a chronic pain patient was measured during in-hospital treatment and at 2 and 4 months follow-up. Treatment was designed to promote self-regulation, as opposed to physician control of medication. The treatment consisted of goal setting level of medications, and therapist reinforcement for self-regulation of medication decrease. Treatment was implemented in a multiple baseline design. Results showed consistent reductions in medication intake during treatment, which persisted over the 2 and 4 month follow-up.