The changing opioid crisis: development, challenges and opportunities

The current opioid epidemic is one of the most severe public health crisis in US history. Responding to it has been difficult due to its rapidly changing nature and the severity of its associated outcomes. This review examines the origin and evolution of the crisis, the pharmacological properties of opioids, the neurobiology of opioid use and opioid use disorder (OUD), medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and existing and promising approaches to prevention. The results of the review indicate that the opioid epidemic is a complex, evolving phenomenon that involves neurobiological vulnerabilities and social determinants of health. Successfully addressing the epidemic will require advances in basic science, development of more acceptable and effective treatments, and implementation of public health approaches, including prevention. The advances achieved in addressing the current crisis should also serve to advance the science and treatment of other substance use disorders.

Automated summary

The current opioid epidemic in the US is one of the most severe public health crises in the country's history, and addressing it is challenging due to its rapidly changing nature and serious outcomes. Success in addressing the crisis will require advances in basic science, development of more acceptable and effective treatments, and implementation of public health approaches, including prevention. The progress made in addressing this crisis should also advance the science and treatment of other substance use disorders.