Pain Management and the Opioid Epidemic: Balancing Societal and Individual Benefits and Risks of Prescription Opioid Use

National Academy of Sciences, 2017

This consensus study report discusses the benefits and potential harms of prescription opioids in contemporary society. The Committee on Pain Management and Regulatory Strategies to Address Prescription Opioid Abuse performed a scientific literature review, examined material provided by the FDA, and held public workshops to facilitate consideration of other researchers and relevant professionals’ work. This report is the culmination of the committee’s findings.