Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder is characterized by problematic opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Etiology includes genetic susceptibility, neurobiological reward circuit dysregulation, psychosocial stressors, and accessibility of opioids. Clinically, patients exhibit cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive use despite negative consequences. Diagnosis is clinical, guided by DSM-5 criteria, including frequency, functional impact, and failure to control use. Management involves opioid agonist therapy (methadone, buprenorphine), psychosocial interventions, and relapse prevention strategies.