Table 2 Occurrence of super-ordinate themes and themes across individual cases

Without opioids, the pain becomes the boss

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

The pain separates the self from the lived life

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

The loss of self or the questioned self

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Experience of control and loss of control

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Opioids as a salvation and a curse

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

A difference between physical dependence and opioid use disorder

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Opioids as a menace

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Acknowledgement of the pain and acceptance of opioid therapy enables transition to a novel self

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

The experience of disbelief and violation – being stigmatised for using opioids

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Someone who acknowledges the pain and whom you can trust

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Acceptance of the pain and opioid therapy as a part of the self

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X