Prevent Opioid Use Disorder
There are a variety of ways to help reduce exposure to opioids and prevent opioid use disorder, such as:
- Prescription drug monitoring programs
- State prescription drug laws
- Formulary management strategies in insurance programs, such as prior authorization, quantity limits, and drug utilization review
- Academic detailing to educate providers about opioid prescribing guidelines and facilitating conversations with patients about the risks and benefits of pain treatment options
- Quality improvement programs in health care systems to increase implementation of recommended prescribing practices
- Patient education on the safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids
- Improve awareness and share resources about the risks of prescription opioids, and the cost of overdose on patients and families.
- See CDC’s Rx Awareness Campaign website
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): sometimes referred to as “opioid abuse or dependence” or “opioid addiction,” OUD is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress.
