The first of six, this episode explores the current public health statistics surrounding opioid use, and looks at if or when it is appropriate to prescribing opioids in the acute pain setting, including post-surgically and in the Emergency Department.

In this episode (2 of 6) we'll meet Kathy James, whose case we will follow throughout the series. Here, she's meeting a new PCP, and requesting an immediate refill of her current medication for chronic low back pain and painful diabetic neuropathy. We'll review how opioids work, and their efficacy in managing chronic pain.

In this episode (3 of 6), we assess Kathy James's risk factors before deciding whether to continue prescribing opioids. We review the risk associated with opioids, including adverse events, overdose, and opioid use disorder.

In this episode (4 of 6), Kathy James will get a prescription for a long-acting opioid. Which opioid should her PCP choose, and at what does? What special considerations should be taken into account when choosing? And how will Kathy be monitored to make sure she is safe from some of the risks?

In this episode (5 of 6), Kathy is exhibiting worrisome opioid-taking behavior. We'll discuss how to assess this behavior, and how to discuss it with Kathy. We'll also discuss next steps: opioid rotation and/or discontinuation.

In the final episode, we review a case of a patient on opioids who overdoses. We discuss how to diagnose an opioid use disorder, and the treatment options available.