Opioid use disorder consists of an overpowering desire to use opioids, increased opioid tolerance, and withdrawal syndrome when discontinued. Opioid use disorder includes dependence and addiction with addiction representing the most severe form of the disorder.
OUD is defined in the DSM-5 as a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
OUD was previously classified as Opioid Abuse or Opioid Dependence in DSM-IV.
OUD has also been referred to as “opioid addiction.”