Chronic pain is a multidimensional problem, with significant influence on the culture and economy of the United States. Although chronic pain associated with cancer is distinct from that associated with musculoskeletal or functional pain syndromes, common treatment strategies for both include the administration of opioids. Although it appears logical to prescribe potent analgesics to patients with chronic noncancer pain, the data to support the effectiveness of opioids for this indication are limited.1