Constipation in opiod users

Patent Pending Constipation develops in many people on opioids because opioids directly inhibit and disrupt normal functions of the intestinal tract. Since tolerance to this problem does not develop readily, most patients on long-term opioids will need a laxative.[42] Over 30 years experience in palliative care has shown that most opioid constipation can be successfully prevented: "Constipation … is treated [with laxatives and stool-softeners]" (Burton 2004, 277).