CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain—United States, 2016

Abstract

The number of people experiencing chronic pain is substantial, with US prevalence estimated at 11.2% of the adult population.¹ Patients should receive appropriate pain treatment based on a careful consideration of the benefits and risks of treatment options. Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain, with approximately 3% to 4% of the adult US population prescribed long-term opioid therapy.² Evidence supports short-term efficacy of opioids in randomized clinical trials lasting primarily 12 weeks or less,³ and patients receiving opioid therapy for chronic pain report some pain relief when surveyed.^4-6 However, few studies have been conducted to rigorously assess the long-term benefits of opioids for chronic pain (pain lasting >3 months) with outcomes examined at least 1 year later.⁷ Opioid pain medication use presents serious risks. From 1999 to 2014, more than 165 000 persons died of overdose related to opioid pain medication in the United States.⁸ In 2013 alone, an estimated 1.9 million persons abused or were dependent on prescription opioid pain medication.⁹ Primary care clinicians report concern about opioid pain medication misuse, find managing patients with chronic pain stressful, express concern about patient addiction, and report insufficient training in prescribing opioids.¹⁰