Prescription opioids can be an effective form of pain management, but they are not always the only option. It is important to understand the potential benefits and risks before you begin taking medications.
Overdose Prevention Strategy 2022 Fact Sheet
Data showing nation how HHS and the nation has expanded its ability to treat addiction and save lives.
Pain Management Best Practices Report
Developed by a broad group of representatives and stakeholders, this report identifies gaps, inconsistencies, and updates and provides recommendations for best practices for managing acute and chronic pain.
Conversation starters
Start the conversation with your doctor to make sure you know all the risks and benefits of different treatments, and how to reduce the risk of opioid addiction:
What to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids
Before you go to the doctor, review this checklist of questions about opioids and naloxone.
Know the Options: Rx Pain Medication Series
A series of 13 fact sheets to educate patients who are prescribed opioids for pain about the risks and to provide resources on methods for alternative pain management.
Know Your Options: Nonopioid Therapies for Chronic Pain
There are many ways to manage pain safely and effectively. Some options may actually work better than opioids and have fewer risks and side effects.
CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain
Rethinking pain treatment is a critical piece of the HHS Five-Point Opioid Strategy unveiled in April 2017.
Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Analgesics
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages the development of opioids with abuse-deterrent properties, which make it harder to abuse these powerful medications.
Complementary and Integrative Approaches for Pain
Consumer information to help patients talk with health care providers about complementary and integrative health approaches for managing pain.
