Opioid Use Disorder

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DESCRIPTION

Opioids are a class of medication that are commonly used for analgesia or pain relief with the concurrent potential for central nervous system depression and/or feelings of euphoria. The diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) refers to the misuse of prescription opioids or the use of illicit opioids, such as heroin that may result in self-harm including death. OUD is considered a chronic illness.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Prevalence

In 2018, an estimated 10,250,000 people reported opioid misuse (3.7% of population ≥12 years old).

  • 2,028,000 of those met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria for a diagnosis of OUD (0.7% of population ≥12 years old) (1).

RISK FACTORS

  • Prior history of substance use disorder
  • More severe reported pain
  • Co-occurring mental disorders (2)

GENERAL PREVENTION

  • Opioid prescriptions have been reduced by 29% between 2006 and 2018, which reduces access to prescription opioids.
  • Harm reduction practices can prevent complications from OUD such as clean needle exchanges and safe injection sites.
  • Access to intranasal naloxone can prevent opioid-related deaths.

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

  • Mood disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other substance use disorders
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Hepatitis A, B, C
  • HIV
  • Chronic pain

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