Open AccessCE: Opioid Use Disorder: Pathophysiology, Assessment, and Effective Interventions
Author(s) -
Kate Brown,
Bernadette Capili
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the american journal of nursing/american journal of nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.23
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1538-7488
pISSN - 0002-936X
DOI - 10.1097/01.naj.0000668736.80609.4e
Subject(s) - opioid use disorder , psychological intervention , empathy , medicine , pathophysiology , opioid , psychiatry , disease , intensive care medicine , psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , neuroscience , receptor
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease. Genetic variability, dysregulated stress system response, and history of opioid experimentation or escalating exposure all contribute to the likelihood of developing OUD, which produces complex brain changes that make it difficult to stop opioid use. Understanding the neurobiology of OUD helps nurses anticipate the behaviors of patients with OUD and approach them with empathy. Here, the authors discuss the pathophysiology of OUD, available screening tools, medical treatments, and behavioral interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in reducing substance use.