[Verified Answer]: Arian Soca, a 50-year-old construction…

Arian Soca, a 50-year-old construction worker, has been on opioid analgesics for the past four months following a work-related injury that resulted in chronic lower back pain. Initially, the opioids provided significant relief and allowed him to participate in physical therapy. Over time, Arian has reported increasing side effects from the medication, including constipation and mental cloudiness, which interfere with his daily activities and work. He has expressed a desire to reduce his reliance on opioids, and his pain has become manageable with other interventions. Considering Arian’s current situation and the need to manage his pain while mitigating risks associated with long-term opioid use, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing his opioid therapy?