Healthcare Professionals
CDC's Opioid "A to OD Prevention" & Webinar Series
Improving the way opioids are prescribed through clinical practice guidelines can ensure patients have access to safer, more effective chronic pain treatment while reducing the number of people who misuse, abuse, or overdose from these drugs.
CDC developed and published the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain to provide recommendations for the prescribing of opioid pain medication for patients 18 and older in primary care settings. Recommendations focus on the use of opioids in treating chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 3 months or past the time of normal tissue healing) outside of active cancer treatment, palliative care, and
end-of-life care.
CDC Rx Awareness Campaign
Helping states fight the Prescription Opioid Epidemic
The Rx Awareness campaign tells the real stories of people whose lives were torn apart by opioid use and abuse. The campaign aims to increase awareness and knowledge among Americans about the risks of opioids and deter inappropriate use.
With the tagline, “It only takes a little to lose a lot,” the Rx Awareness campaign uses testimonials to educate the public, focusing on the dangers of prescription opioids whether used for medical or non-medical purposes.
The cornerstone of the campaign is a series of videos that feature individuals who are living in recovery from opioid use disorder, or who are family members who lost someone to a prescription opioid overdose. Other campaign materials include audio advertisements, social media advertisements, internet banners, web graphics, billboards, and posters all highlighting the importance of knowing the risks associated with prescription opioids in order to prevent overdoses.
Spread the Word
Everyone can help stop prescription opioid overdose. The success of the Rx Awareness campaign relies on individuals and on partnerships with state and local agencies and organizations across the country to share the messages and resources.
