Opioid Addiction Resource Center
Health ConditionsAddictionOpioid Addiction

Opioid Addiction

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Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a substance use disorder characterized by the compulsive seeking and use of opioids, despite harmful consequences. People with OUD might experience symptoms like intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and an inability to control opioid use, among others. Treatment options for OUD include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy or counseling. Support from family and friends also plays a key role in long-term recovery.



FAQ

What are the signs of opioid addiction?
Signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder may include intense cravings for opioids, withdrawal symptoms, and continued opioid use even though it’s causing significant social or relationship problems.
Opioids activate opioid receptors on cells throughout the body, including in the brain and other organs involved with sensations of pleasure or pain. Once opioids bind to these receptors, they block feelings of pain and release dopamine, a pleasure hormone.
MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications like methadone or buprenorphine in combination with behavioral therapy or counseling for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Opioid use disorder can be effectively managed with treatments like medication and behavioral therapy.
When an individual takes a higher dose of an opioid than their body can handle, it can lead to respiratory depression, or dangerously slowed breathing that can be life-threatening.
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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

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Adam Lake, MD, is a family physician with expertise in LGBTQIA+ health, as well as an HIV specialist and addiction medicine specialist. He is medical director of a clinic specializ...

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Resources
  1. Opioids. National Institute on Drug Abuse. November 2024.
  2. Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). MedlinePlus.

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