What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid Use Disorder is defined by multiple signs, symptoms and behaviors that indicate a person is both physically and psychologically dependent on opioids.
What you need to know
Opioid Use Disorder is defined by multiple signs, symptoms and behaviors that indicate a person is both physically and psychologically dependent on opioids.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): DSM-V
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- using more than planned and longer than intended
- desire to cut down or quit but unable to do so
- spending a lot of time and effort getting, using and recovering from opioids
- cravings or strong desire to use opioids
- failing to fulfil obligations at home, work or school
- continuing to use even when it cause problems in relationships
- giving up social, recreational or occupational activities because of opioids
- using opioids again and again, even when it puts you in danger
- needing to take more to get the same effect (tolerance)
- feeling sick when use suddenly stops (withdrawal)continuing to use despite physical or psychological problems
At least 2/11 = OUD
2-3 = mild OUD
4-5 = moderate OUD
6 or more = severe OUD
Addiction cannot be understood from an isolated perspective. It is a complex human condition, a condition rooted in the individual experience of the sufferer and also in the multi-generational history of his or her family and—not least—also in the cultural and historical context in which that family has existed.
Addiction involves psychological dependence and means that the drug is at the centre of the person’s thoughts, feelings and activities. The person may have to use more and more of the drug just to feel normal. They may want to stop, but can’t.
Another way of describing addiction is the presence of the four C’s:
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- Craving
- Loss of Control of amount or frequency of use
- Compulsion to use
- Use despite Consequences
Opioids Frequently Used includes:
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- Heroine
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Morphine
- Demerol
- Hydromorphone
- Dilaudid
Withdrawal is a symptom of addiction. Opioid withdrawal involves a range of extremely uncomfortable psychological and physical symptoms, including:
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- cravings
- insomnia
- fatigue
- chills
- nausea
- diarrhea
- muscle pain