Trends in Medical Use and Abuse of Opioid Analgesics

Abstract

Unrelieved pain, whether due to trauma, surgery, cancer or noncancer conditions, and including pain occurring at the end of life, continues to be a major public health concern.^1-4 Although numerous nonpharmacologic treatments can be used to relieve pain, the use of opioids in the class of morphine is the cornerstone of pain management.^5-8