Do you know the signs of opioid use disorder? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a Continuing Medical Education Module on this topic, as part of its effort to reduce the harms from use of opioids and other drugs. You can get started by going to https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/training/online-training.html and selecting module 5, “Assessing and Addressing Opioid Use Disorder.”
As discussed in the module, opioid use disorder (OUD) is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) as “a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” Confirming the diagnosis requires observing 2 or more of the following 11 behaviors over a 21-month period.
The CME module includes sample patient charts and dialogs to test your understanding of the criteria, and suggested communication strategies, including approaching with compassion, building a relationship, and explaining treatment options. Decision-making for use of medical-assisted therapy is also discussed within the module.
“Module 5: Assessing and Addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/training/oud/accessible/index.html