Setting the Record Straight
More than 2 million Americans suffer from an opioid addiction. An additional 95 million people used prescription painkillers in the past year. Opioids are more commonly used than tobacco – and more deadly. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50 years of age, with 142 Americans dying every day from an opioid overdose.
In 2016, CDC issued a Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain that was intended to improve patient safety and the effectiveness of pain treatment. But since its release, the Guideline has been criticized by some as harmful to chronic pain patients. It鈥檚 time to set the record straight, so that we are clear on the challenges and can work together on real solutions that help all Americans who struggle with chronic pain.