(OUD)
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is medically recognized as a chronic brain disease that can have life-long physical, emotional, and mental consequences. When used in excess, illicit forms, or long periods of time, opiates change our brain’s chemistry leading to dependency, drug-seeking behavior, and death.
It’s important to remember that opioid use disorder does not discriminate and has devastating effects on all populations. The opioid crisis impacts all ages, genders, races, and socio-economic classes. Anyone can overdose. Anyone can save a life. And everyone should know how opioids can affect the people they care about. Most individuals who suffer from OUD are unable to stop or control use even when there is a disruption to life and a decrease in overall health. Recovery is possible with the proper treatment & support.
