Cautionary guidelines for the use of opioids in chronic pain.

Guidelines for the use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain have recently been proposed by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Older guidelines proposed by American pain organizations had the effect of liberalizing opioid prescription. In recent years, dramatic increases in prescribed opioids have been followed by equally dramatic rises in morbidity and mortality from prescription opioids. In addition, new research has increased knowledge of the long-term effects of opioids. These new guidelines propose increased caution in regard to opioid prescription for chronic pain.