Opioid addiction is classified as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), complex and chronic health condition with physical, social, psychological consequences. While there no cure for it, we present novel approach towards preventing hallmark feature of addiction-- the opiate withdrawal syndrome. Opioids exert numerous effects, acutely chronically, on nervous system physical dependence, tolerance, bei...

Opioid use and overdose rates have risen to epidemic levels in the United States during the past decade. Fortunately, there are effective medications (ie, methadone, buprenorphine, and oral and injectable naltrexone) available for the treatment of opioid addiction. Each of these medications is approved for use in conjunction with psychosocial treatment; however, there is a dearth of empirical r...

INTRODUCTION Studies indicate that different areas of mental, physical, social and daily life functioning need to be considered in order to improve intervention outcomes in substance user patients. The aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients diagnosed with opioid dependence as compared to healthy controls and patients diagnosed with depression and schiz...

conclusions anesthesiologists need to be aware of dextromethorphan’s clinical pharmacology because recreational abuse of the drug has become increasingly common in adolescents and young adults. case presentation a 30-year-old man with a history of a nasal fracture was scheduled to undergo an elective septorhinoplasty. he reported daily consumption of large quantities (1440 to 1800 mg) of dextro...

Opioid addiction and pain can coexist at the end of life. Clinicians approved for schedule II prescribing by their DEA license can prescribe any schedule II drug in the inpatient and outpatient settings for pain and symptom relief, even if the patient is enrolled in an opioid maintenance program. Clinicians are strongly advised to seek specialist help in these situations (from both pain and add...

INTRODUCTION The use of chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain is growing and is now accepted as an effective treatment modality. AREAS COVERED Although there are guidelines and reviews for chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain patients, physicians may still have concerns and be reluctant to prescribe strong opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. Common issues and conce...

Although the prevalence and destruction of opioid addiction have touched individuals and families across all social groups and geographies, until recently, federal and state-level efforts to confront this growing problem have lacked focus and rigor. With several legislative actions already underway and the recent enactment of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), we will continue...

Opioid-dependent patients have unique pain management and psychosocial needs. Inadequate staff training, the absence of addiction screening and intervention protocols, and stigma related to opioid use can impact outcomes negatively for these patients in general hospital settings.

This topic review will discuss the clinical features and management of opioid withdrawal in the emergency setting. A summary table to facilitate emergent management is provided (table 1). Discussions of opioid withdrawal during detoxification treatment, opioid intoxication, opioid withdrawal in neonates, and general management of the poisoned patient are found elsewhere. (See "Medically supervi...

The past decade has seen a marked increase in the illicit use of opioids, as well as a doubling of the percentage of individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorders. However, little is known about the differences between opioid users and nonopioid users in residential treatment. Further, no studies have been published that compare opioid users and nonopioid users in treatment for co-occu...