Opioid Use Disorder

Physical and psychological reliance on opioids, a substance found in certain prescription pain medications and illegal drugs like heroin.

Opioids are prescribed to treat pain. With prolonged use, pain-relieving effects may lessen and pain can become worse. In addition, the body can develop dependence. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them. Addiction occurs when dependence interferes with daily life. Taking more than the prescribed amount or using illegal opioids like heroin may result in death.

Symptoms of addiction include uncontrollable cravings and inability to control opioid use even though it’s having negative effects on personal relationships or finances.

Treatment varies but may include discontinuing the drug. Medications such as methadone can help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. Pairing medication with inpatient or support programs generally has the most success.

Cluster Number:
Wiki Number: PW144
Diagnosis: Opioid Use Disorder
US Patients: About 27 million in 2016
World Patients:
Sex Ratio: M+;F
Age Onset: Young adults
Brain Area: Opioids reduce dopamine in nucleus accumbens. Neuroimaging affects in the orbitofrontal area-reducing reward-behaviors
Symptoms: strong desire to use oioids, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms & living normal lives; most US heroin users began with prescriptions
Progression: Long term use shows dysregulation of brain circuits for emotion, distress and high impulsivity.
Causes:
Medications: opioid replacement threrapy uses methadone or buprenophine and naltrexone; heroin withdrawal symptoms from 2 days-2 weeks
Therapies: CBT; Lohr’s “Calming My Pain!” (DVD or Download from this website) helps to retrain the brain to reduce pain without opioids.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE

Youtube Video:Here’s Why Opioid Addiction Is So Intense

Amazon or Library Book: Decisions In Recovery:

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Click the text to click or buy from Amazon.

samhsa.gov; 800-662-4357

(U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration Help)

4 CURRENT ARTICLES
FROM PUBMED

The world-wide medical research
reports chosen for each diagnosis

Clicking each title opens the
PubMed article’s summary-abstract.

Lived Experience of Postpartum Women in Recovery for Opioid Use Disorder on Medication-Assisted Therapy
by Caron MacPherson on December 3, 2024
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of postpartum women on medication-assisted therapy for opioid use disorder.
Project SCOPE: a National Training Initiative to improve capacity of providers to support children impacted by prenatal opioid exposure using the ECHO model
by Stephanie Weber on December 3, 2024
INTRODUCTION: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a complex condition resulting from prenatal substance exposure that has become increasingly prevalent as a result of the opioid epidemic. NAS can lead to long-term developmental challenges. Interdisciplinary teams with experience working with children with disabilities that focus on social determinants of health can be effective at supporting families affected by NAS. Unfortunately, interdisciplinary teams often lack sufficient training,...
Spinal Anesthesia for Open Appendectomy in a Patient With Cystic Fibrosis and Coagulation Abnormalities: A Case of Tailored Anesthetic Management
by Leonor Lemos on December 3, 2024
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, often leading to significant perioperative challenges due to compromised lung function, recurrent infections, and chronic respiratory failure. Managing anesthesia in patients with CF requires careful consideration, particularly because of the increased risk of respiratory complications with general anesthesia (GA). Neuraxial anesthesia, such as spinal anesthesia, presents an...
Buprenorphine-Naloxone for Opioid Use Disorder: Reduction in Mortality and Increased Remission
by Krishna K Paul on December 3, 2024
CONCLUSION: Buprenorphine-naloxone was associated with significantly reduced mortality and increased remission rates for patients with opioid use disorder and should be used as a primary treatment. The recognition and implementation of treatment options like buprenorphine-naloxone is vital in alleviating the impact of OUD.