Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The objectives for preparing this article were to review the historical context and epidemiology surrounding the North American prescription opioid crisis, to summarize the evidence regarding the benefits and harms of long-term opioid therapy for non-cancer pain, and to outline ways in which anesthesiologists may help ameliorate the problem. ⋯ Anesthesiologists are well positioned to take a leadership role in the management of postoperative discharge opioid therapy in an effort to curb the overutilization of opioids. Furthermore, anesthesiologists who regularly prescribe opioids for chronic pain patients should appreciate the limited evidence base for this practice and communicate the risks of opioid therapy to their patients.