Narcotic dependence in inflammatory bowel disease.

Thirteen of 43 patients (30%) with inflammatory bowel disease referred for psychiatric consultation were found to be drug dependent, most commonly on oral narcotics. Drug dependence was more frequent in patients with Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis and many had a borderline personality disorder. The study suggests that drug dependence is not recognized often enough in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and that patients with certain psychiatric disorders are at higher risk of developing it. Recognition of drug dependence is aided by interviewing family members. It is best prevented by seeking and treating the specific cause of pain and by having only one physician assigned to prescribe and manage narcotics.