ABSTRACT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed and published the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain to provide recommendations for the prescribing of opioid pain medication for patients 18 and older in primary care settings. The CDC developed the guideline using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework, and recommendations are made on the basis of a systematic review of the scientific evidence while considering benefits and harms, values and preferences, and resource allocation. The CDC Guideline addresses patient-centered clinical practices, including conducting thorough assessments, considering all possible treatments, closely monitoring risks, and safely discontinuing opioids. This guideline is intended to improve communication between clinicians and patients about the risks and benefits of opioid therapy for chronic pain, improve the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment, and reduce the risks associated with long-term opioid therapy, including opioid use disorder, overdose, and death.
