Chronic pain is common, multidimensional, and individualized, and treatment can be challenging for healthcare providers as well as patients. In response to the critical need for consistent and current opioid prescribing guidelines, the CDC released the Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

This guideline provides recommendations for primary care clinicians who are prescribing opioids for chronic pain outside of active cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care among adult patients.

This CDC document consists of evidence-based strategies to reduce overdose including naloxone distribution and medication-assisted therapy. It aims to assist community leaders, local and regional organizers, non-profit groups, law enforcement, public health, and members of the public in understanding and navigating effective strategies.

This fact sheet developed by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) helps employers understand the risk of opioid overdose and allows them to decide if they should establish a workplace naloxone availability and use program.