How to avoid opioid misuse

Maintaining a rational, evidence-based approach

Opioid analgesic misuse is a serious public health problem. It would be unfortunate, however, if clinicians were to avoid medically appropriate opioid prescribing for people with chronic pain. Rational, evidence-based strategies to mitigate opioid misuse are the appropriate goal, accompanied by efforts to improve chronic pain treatment with and without opioids. To provide safe and effective opioid therapy, we urge you to develop a proactive approach informed by clinical guidelines, clinical experience, and the scientific literature.

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