Review of Controlled Substance Management in Chronic Pain: A Balanced Approach.

It appears that the medical specialty of pain medicine is a victim of its own success. With the increasing demand for chronic pain management, pain physicians are pressured to prescribe ever-increasing amounts of opioids. However, there is compelling evidence that pervasive opioid availability is driving opioid misuse, diversion, and addiction. As a result, pain physicians are often caught up in the confusion about what is appropriate opioid prescribing. How is the caring pain physician able to responsibly treat patients in pain without contributing to the opioid addiction problem? The new book edited by Drs. Staats and Silverman provides up to date information and recommendations to help the physician navigate the multifaceted opioid prescribing conundrum and practice safe and effective pain medicine. The volume provides an in depth examination of the topic in 15 well-written chapters and 6 appendices, which makes it appropriate for the seasoned pain physician and the primary care physician alike. The book begins with an examination of the scope of the pain problem and concludes with exit strategies and alternatives to opioids: