Empirical Studies Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: An Urgent Call for Research. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stuart, Gregory L; Shorey, Ryan C; France, Christopher R; Macfie, Jenny; Bell, Kathryn; Fortner, Kimberly B; Towers, Craig V; Schkolnik, Paul; Ramsey, Susan
• Is Part Of: Substance abuse. Volume 12(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Opioid epidemic -- medication-assisted treatment -- opioid use disorder -- overdose -- pregnancy; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance Abuse & Addiction; Drug abuse; Drug abuse -- Treatment; Substance abuse; Substance abuse -- Treatment; Substance-Related Disorders -- therapy; Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1177/1178221818784294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1178-2218

Abstract

Opioid misuse has become one of the most pressing public health problems facing the country. In this article, we briefly review literature regarding the opioid epidemic in the United States and the negative consequences of opioid use disorder. We provide information regarding treatment and relapse using a variety of intervention approaches. We call for research on people with opioid use disorder that can contribute to a variety of areas: improving medication-assisted treatment, addressing chronic pain, examination of adjunctive behavioral interventions, overdose, high risk behaviors and infections, pregnancy, diverse populations, and other psychological factors. Collectively addressing these crucial areas of research will advance the field and help alleviate suffering and prevent death from opioid use disorder.