The Use of Opioids in Chronic Pain:
Complexity and Practice

The Use of Opioids in Chronic Pain: Complexity and Practice John F. Peppin, DO, FACP Associate Medical Director Hospice of the Bluegrass Palliative Care Center of the Bluegrass Director Center for Bioethics, Pain Management and Medicine Lexington, Kentucky Chronic or recurrent pain occurring on a regular basis affects more than 25% of the US population.1 This issue became recognized nationally more than 4 decades ago and both clinicians and patients began to advocate for improved pain care.