The CDC's Guidelines are inappropriate, short sighted, and are more harmful than helpful to pain patients. Developed in violation of the Federal Advisory Committee Act's (FACA) regulations with little to no evidence used in support, the Guidelines are blatantly discriminatory to existing pain patients, licensed pain specialists, and responsible users of opioid medication, and should be withdrawn.

This petition is on behalf of all chronic pain sufferers, as well as their families and loved ones. For myself and those like me, the responsible prescription and use of opioid pain medication is all that makes it possible for us to function as productive members of society. The CDC Guidelines have been developed irresponsibly and without the patient in mind, focusing instead only on the potential for abuse. The prescription of pain relief medication should not be dictated by government decree, but instead should be responsibly managed by a licensed physician and pain professional.