Acura Pharmaceuticals (ACUR) 10-K 2018 FY Annual report

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Palatine, Illinois

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-221645, 333-213017, 333-195612, 333-151653, 333-151620, 333-133172, 333-123615, 333-63288, and 33-98396), and on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-210039 and 333-146416) of Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated September 16, 2019, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appear in this Form 10-K. Our report contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Chicago, Illinois

September 16, 2019