Opioid Use Disorder
What Are Opioids?

Opioids are drugs that help manage pain. Doctors prescribe opioids to help treat short-term and long-term pain. Opioids can be addictive and misusing or abusing an opioid can cause serious health risks and side effects.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a chronic substance use disorder that causes significant impairment or distress. It is also known as "opioid abuse", "opioid dependence", or "opioid addiction". OUD can affect anyone regardless of race, sex, income level, or social class.[1]

Opioids Can Be Dangerous

The most prescribed opioid drugs include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and methadone. You can become dependent on opioids after just 5 days of treatment.[2] It’s also possible to overdose on opioids by combining them with other drugs or alcohol, or by taking a higher dosage, for a longer length of time, or more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.

While Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic disease, it is also treatable. Here are some ways to prevent opioid dependency and different treatment options.

Prevention and Treatment

Alternative Treatments: Opioids are not your only option. Some non-addictive therapies include acupuncture, aqua therapy, and even Tylenol. If you’ve been prescribed an opioid in the past and are worried about the risks (like abuse and addiction), talk to your primary care provider about alternative treatments. These therapies can be effective in helping with your pain.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Boxes: It is important to properly dispose of unused medications to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, misuse, or abuse. Pennsylvania has almost 900 prescription drug take-back locations where you can safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications. Find a drug take-back location near you.

Prevent Overdose with Naloxone: Naloxone (also called Narcan) is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It can be administered as a nasal spray or intramuscular injection. Find out how to get naloxone for free here.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): MOUD is a treatment that helps people who are struggling with opioid addiction. It uses safe, FDA-approved medicines, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. These medicines can lower the risk of overdose and help people stay on track with recovery.  MOUD is provided by healthcare professionals who create a treatment plan based on each person's needs. Treatment can be started in a hospital, at a doctor's office, a Center of Excellence, or through telehealth, making it easier for people to get help when they need it.

Opioid Centers of Excellence

In 2016, the Centers of Excellence (COE) for Opioid Use Disorder were created to help combat the growing overdose crisis in Pennsylvania.[3] COEs provide services and treatment for those with OUD. Services include:

•  One-on-one counseling
• Intensive group therapy and education
• Case management, screenings and assessments
• Telehealth options

Visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Centers of Excellence webpage.

Resources

If you have an emergency, call 911.

  • For assistance, members can call our Enhanced Member Supports unit at 1-866-500-4571 (TTY 1-877-454-8477).
  • Talk to someone at the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
  • Visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Opioid Awareness web page.

 

References

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/preventing-opioid-use-disorder.html

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6610a1.htm#F1_down

[3]https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/mental-health-substance-use-disorder/substance-use-disorder/centers-of-excellence.html