Critiquing the CDC Opioid Guideline: Some Light From the Heat

Abstract

Released in 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain has been met with both praise and criticism. In this issue of the Journal, two commentaries address the guideline's strengths and limitations. While the authors differ in their assessment of the guideline, they share a common objective: safer opioid prescribing. Followed carefully, the CDC guideline will facilitate this, but followed carelessly it has the potential to cause harm.