Stanford Pain Medicine's Stance on Opioids: Putting Patients First

At Stanford Pain Medicine, we are not pro-opioid or anti-opioid—we are pro-patient. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that prioritizes safety, effectiveness and individual needs. We recognize that pain treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and our approach is always guided by the best available science and the unique circumstances of each patient.

A Balanced Approach to Pain Management

Effective pain care is patient-centered, meaning treatments are tailored to each individual's condition, lifestyle, and personal goals. For some patients, opioids may play an important role in their broader pain management strategy. For others, opioids may not be the optimal, safe choice. Our expert team may evaluate and discuss the potential risks and benefits of opioids with every patient, ensuring shared decision-making. In a small percentage of people, exposure to opioids could cause an opioid use disorder, in which case we would refer those patients to a dual diagnosis clinic.

Our treatment strategies often include:

• Interventional procedures
• Pain medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain psychology and behavioral approaches
• Complementary therapies
• Patient education and support
• Lifestyle medicine

Clinician Autonomy and Individualized Care

Stanford Pain Medicine opposes rigid, one-size-fits-all opioid policies that do not account for individual patient needs. 

“Every patient’s needs are different, and some will require opioids for a longer duration than others,” Sean Mackey M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Pain Medicine says. “Our ultimate goal is to personalize this process by predicting the best treatment path for each patient and each needs.”

We believe in clinician autonomy, allowing doctors to make informed decisions in partnership with their patients. Some of our experts, like pain psychologist and researcher Beth Darnall, Ph.D. have actively advocated against forced opioid tapering and restrictive prescribing practices that could harm patients.

Addressing the Opioid Crisis Without Harming Patients

The U.S. faces dual health crises: chronic pain and opioid misuse. We recognize the critical need to prevent opioid misuse and addiction. However, overly restrictive policies can unintentionally cause suffering, loss of function, and mental health challenges for patients living with chronic pain. Our team follows evidence-based guidelines to promote responsible prescribing, proactive pain interventions, and safer alternatives whenever appropriate.

A Diversity of Expert Opinions

Our team is made up of many different experts, and perspectives on opioids may vary across our clinicians. However, we are united in our commitment to providing compassionate, whole-person care that respects each patient’s needs and choices.