Opioid Use Disorder

About Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder is a problematic pattern of use of opioids, which include heroin, illicitly manufactured fentanyl and prescription pain medications, leading to significant impairment or distress. Features include taking larger amounts than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down, craving, neglect of responsibilities, continued use despite harm, and tolerance and withdrawal. The condition carries a high risk of fatal overdose, which has increased sharply in many countries with the spread of highly potent synthetic opioids, and overdose can be reversed by naloxone. Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition. Medications for opioid use disorder, including methadone and buprenorphine, which act on opioid receptors, and naltrexone, which blocks them, are strongly supported by evidence and are associated with reduced overdose deaths. Combining medication with psychosocial support, harm reduction services and treatment of co occurring conditions helps many people achieve long term recovery.