Opiate Dependence or Addiction?: A Review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Management of Chronic Pain.

In the wake of epidemic of opioid overdoses in the United States, patients who are receiving treatment for chronic pain with opioid have come under increasing scrutiny. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a guideline for managing chronic pain in 2016, which makes recommendations for opioids based on current evidence. This review will highlight key components of the guideline including differentiating addiction from dependence to assist nurses to better inform patient care in managing chronic pain.