Episode 1: The CDC Opioid Guidelines

Episode 1: The CDC Opioid Guidelines

What happens when the complexities of opioid prescriptions meet the need for clear, evidence-based guidelines? In this episode of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry podcast, hosts Lysander Jim, MD, and Mauro Zappaterra, MD-PhD, sit down with Dr. Roger Chou to break it all down. Dr.

Chou, an Associate Professor at Oregon Health & Science University and a key member of the committee that developed the CDC Opioid Guidelines, shares his unique insights on how these guidelines came to be and what they aim to achieve. With a focus on primary care physicians managing chronic pain, Dr. Chou explains the rationale behind the recommendations, emphasizing the importance of balancing patient needs with the risks associated with opioid prescriptions.

The discussion covers three main areas: mitigating risks, assessing patients for opioid use risks, and understanding what medications patients might be receiving from other sources. Dr. Chou also touches on the challenges posed by urine drug testing and benzodiazepine use, underscoring the need for patient education on opioid risks. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers seeking to navigate the intricacies of opioid prescribing while prioritizing patient safety.