Diagnostic Criteria for Opioid Use Disorder and Withdrawal

Diagnostic Criteria for Opioid Use Disorder and Withdrawal Opioid use disorder is a growing mental health issue characterized by psychological and physical reliance on opioids. Opioid-related medications are usually given to individuals with chronic pain. However, long-term and inappropriate use of these medications contributes to dependence. The effectiveness of opioids on pain decreases, thus necessitating prescription with a higher dose which unfortunately subjects a person to severe health risks. Dependence on opioids leads to withdrawal symptoms which makes it almost impossible for a person to discontinue these medications.

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The criteria for diagnosing opioid use disorder state that an individual must have taken large amounts of opioids for a period longer than initially intended. The person spends plenty of resources, including time and finances, in activities necessary to get opioids (Matthews & Fellers, 2016). Importantly the person presents with an overwhelming urge to use opioids. Due to recurrent use of opioids, an individual cannot fulfill major obligations at home, school and work (CDC, 2017). The person is also unable to make rational decisions. For instance, a person with significant interpersonal problems exacerbated by these substances cannot understand the link between the two.

The user loses interest in social, recreational, and occupational activities over time.

Recurrent use of opioids in scenarios in which it is physically and mentally harmful is also a significant indicator of opioid use disorder (CDC, 2017). In this case, an individual continues to use the drugs despite knowing their negative impact on psychological and physical health (Matthews & Fellers, 2016). Any attempts to withdraw from opioid use lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, insomnia, vomiting, and muscular pain.

References CDC (2017). Module 5: Assessing and addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/training/oud/accessible/index.html Dydyk A. M., Jain, N. K., & Gupta, M. (2021). Opioid use disorder. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/ Matthews, A. M., & Fellers, J. C. (2016). Treating comorbid opioid use disorder in chronic pain.

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