Do I Have Opioid Use Disorder?

Do you often take opioids in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use?

Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the opioid, use the opioid or recover from its effects?

Do you experience craving or a strong desire or urge to use opioids?

Does the recurrent opioid use result in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home?

Do you continue using opioid despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids?

Are you giving up or reducing important social, occupational or recreational activities because of opioid use?

Do you recurrently use opioid in situations in which it is physically hazardous?

Do you continue using opioid despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of opioids to achieve intoxication or desired effect or do you experience a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an opioid?

Did you cease or reduce opioid use that has been heavy and prolonged or did you take an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use and did you experience three different symptoms such as dysphoric mood, nausea/vomiting or muscle aches Or do you take opioids to relieve/avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have opioid use disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have opioid use disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. Opioids reduce the perception of pain, but they can also cause confusion, nausea and constipation. At high doses they can cause difficulties breathing. Opioid use disorder is a lifelong condition with serious consequences such as disability, relapses and in severe cases death. It may be important to talk to your doctor if you frequently take opioids. You may not need any treatment, but your doctor can give you useful advice to stop using the drug.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have opioid use disorder. It is crucial to seek medical attention. Opioids can lead to physical dependence in a very short period of time, usually between four and eight weeks. When someone uses opioids chronically, stopping the use of it may lead to severe symptoms, such as anxiety, cramps and generalized pain. Because these symptoms are very disturbing, users continue using the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Treatments may help, including medication-assisted treatment in which a person takes medication along with behavioral therapy.