Opioid Use Disorder: Detoxification and Long-Term Treatment Course

Opioid Use Disorder: Detoxification and Long-Term Treatment Course is organized by NurseCe4less.

Statement of Learning Need:
Individuals who have an opiate use disorder will manifest varied signs and symptoms of withdrawal, based upon factors of whether there are multiple substance use, high level of use and the amount of drug taken. Opiate withdrawal requires prompt recognition for clinicians to begin prompt treatment for an individual with an opioid use disorder. The 2015 American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines are a helpful resource and medication-assisted treatment certification is required by physicians and nurse practitioners who prescribe recommended pharmacological therapy to control symptoms of withdrawal and prevent relapse.

Course Purpose:
To increase the knowledge of health professionals in the recognition of opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms, and to be informed about inpatient and outpatient treatment options for patients in early and late remission and throughout the recovery process.

Course Summary:
Opioids can be extremely valuable medications for pain management but the euphoric properties of opioids can often lead to a substance use disorder. Although the cycle of opioid misuse can be treated, opioid withdrawal is a difficult process that comes with its risks and side effects. Proper medical management of both acute and chronic withdrawal symptoms provides the best opportunity for a permanent positive outcome. Current evidence shows that medical-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder improves a patient’s recovery outcomes. There are ongoing studies on the relapse rate and overdose rate for patients continuing in medical-assisted treatment (MAT). This is particularly true for patients who have completed detoxification because of opioid use. It is vitally important that these patients who, after assessment, are found to have an opioid use disorder, be transitioned into a treatment program to address the opioid use disorder; otherwise, relapse is more likely. The benefit of agonist therapies, methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone are discussed. Reference is also made to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 2015 National Practice Guidelines, which informs providers who are medication-assisted treatment credentialed of current approved agents to treat opioid use and overdose.