Opioid Abuse and Surgery
Find answers to common questions about safe and effective pain control after surgery.
Our FAQs is a must-read prior to surgery. Not only does it answer common questions, it also includes a Pain Management Guide for mild, mild-to-moderate, and severe pain to help in the recovery process.
View our brochure on safe and effective pain control after surgery for adults.
View BrochureView our brochure on safe and effective pain control after surgery for women.
View BrochureKeep track of your pain before and after surgery with our interactive pain plan management tool.
My Pain PlanWatch our video to learn how to safely manage your pain at home following surgery.
(Please note that by clicking on the links below, you will be leaving the American College of Surgeons website to view content on external websites.)
Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know
Opioid Risk Tool (screening form to assess risk of misuse)
Help and Treatment with Opioid Misuse or Abuse (addiction or dependence)
Surgeons and all physicians are now screening their patients prior to opioid administration using the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Alternatives to opioids are being used and the amount and dose of opioid pills prescribed to patients is lower when appropriate. Numerous studies are underway monitoring the number of pills used by patients and their pain scores to better match pain control options for specific operations and avoid any excess opioid use (Hill MV, et al. 2018; Howard R, et al. 2018). Below are additional educational and leadership strategies for surgeons:
The General Surgeon’s Role in Enhancing Patient Education About Prescription Opioids
Surgical Leadership Is Required to Reverse the Opioid Crisis
We have educational programs, professional resources, research news, even opportunities to get involved—all in an effort to promote safe pain control post-surgery.
See What’s AvailableMeet the professionals dedicated to safe and effective pain control.
Our Taskforce
This section of the American College of Surgeons website has been developed so you can learn more about safe pain control after your operation. If you have any questions after reading through this material, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon.