What defines an opioid use disorder (OUD)?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is defined as a medical condition characterized by the misuse of opioids, which encompasses a range of behaviors and consequences associated with opioid use. This definition captures the complexity of OUD, as it not only involves the misuse of prescribed or illicit opioids but also reflects the impact that such misuse has on an individual's life.

The key aspects of OUD include patterns of substance use that may lead to significant impairment or distress, such as taking opioids in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down on use, spending a great deal of time obtaining the substance, and continuing to use it despite social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the substance. This medical characterization is essential in facilitating appropriate treatment approaches, which can include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of a comprehensive recovery strategy.

Other options like the ability to control opioid use despite negative consequences or the occurrence of physical withdrawal symptoms highlight specific behaviors or symptoms associated with the disorder but do not encompass the broader context of misuse that defines OUD. Similarly, the idea that opioid use leads to positive outcomes contradicts the very premise of OUD, as the disorder is fundamentally about the negative impacts of opioids on