The neuroscience nurse is aware of the complexities of managing patient’s pain, particularly the multidimensional nature of chronic pain management. Patients leaving acute care settings with opioid prescriptions may be at risk for dependency and addiction to opioids. The CDC has identified addiction to prescription pain medication as the strongest risk factor for heroin addiction (Rudd, Aleshire, Zibbell, et. al., 2016).The purpose of this presentation is a discuss the epidemic of prescription opioid abuse and overdose in America, specific to the neuroscience nurses knowledge of the management of acute and chronic pain and responsible prescribing practices based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines (CDC, 2016). Neuroscience nurses will have knowledge of guidelines that focus on clinical practiced and evidence to guide practice and improve how opioids are prescribed and ultimately improve patient care. Alternatives to opioids in the management of pain will be discussed.