Table 1:
Definitions of opioid use, misuse and opioid use disorder.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Opioid use5 | Continuous or intermittent consumption of an opioid |
| Opioid misus5 | The use of any opioid in a manner, situation, amount, or frequency that can cause harm to users or to those around them. |
| Opioid use disorder6, 7 | Pattern of opioid use characterized by tolerance, craving, inability to control use and continued use despite adverse consequences. To be diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, a person must have 2 or more of the following symptoms within a 12-month period of time (from the following categories): Loss of control Social problems Risky use Pharmacological Problems An opioid use disorder may be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number of symptoms present. |
| Addiction9 | Primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors. Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. |