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Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people in the United States. In this article, we will discuss the diagnostic criteria, what makes it different from other conditions, the modalities available, and the statistics regarding its prevalence and unique factors.

  • Additionally, they are highly effective at relieving pain, making them a commonly prescription for pain management. However, this also means that many individuals who develop this condition start out using these type of drugs for a legitimate medical purpose.

Diagnostic Criteria

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the following criteria must be met:

  • Taking them in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
  • Persistent desire to cut down or control use
  • Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from them
  • Craving
  • Recurrent use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
  • Continued use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects
  • Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of use
  • Recurrent use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
  • Continued use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by them
  • Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: (a) A need for markedly increased amounts of these drugs to achieve intoxication or desired effect; or (b) A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
  • (a) The characteristic of withdrawal syndrome or
  • (b) Opioids (or a closely related substance) are taken to relieve or avoid symptoms.

Treatment

There are several modalities available for individuals, including:

  • Medication-assisted treatment: MAT combines prescriptions with behavioral therapies to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery. Those used in MAT include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to it.
  • Motivational enhancement therapy: MET is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals increase their motivation to change their behavior and achieve recovery.
  • 12-step programs: 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide peer support and encouragement to individuals in recovery.

Uniqueness

This condition is unique because they have a high potential for dependence and addiction. Te work by binding to receptors in the brain that regulate pain and pleasure, and repeated use can lead to changes in the brain that result in physical dependence and addiction.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States had it in 2020. This is also associated with several unique factors, including:

  • Overdose: It is a leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States, with more than 70,000 overdose deaths reported in 2019.
  • Fentanyl: Fentanyl, a synthetic that is much more potent than others, has become a major contributor to the epidemic. Fentanyl is often added to other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, without the user’s knowledge, making it extremely dangerous and difficult to detect.
  • Prescription drug misuse: Many individuals who develop this condition start out using prescriptions for a legitimate medical purpose, but eventually misuse or develop an addiction to these medications.
  • Stigma: There is a significant amount of stigma surrounding it, which can prevent individuals from seeking help or receiving effective therapy.

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