Opioids have been used as analgesics for many years, and their use in the management of acute pain related to trauma and surgery is well established. However, patients with persisting pain need a pain management plan that brings relief of symptoms without adverse effects in both the short and longer terms. The prescribing of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain has increased substantially since the first edition of this pocketbook was published, prompting considerable debate regarding the appropriateness of prescribing for this indication and the potential harms to individuals and to society...