About Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
South Carolina Faces the Deadliest Drug Epidemic in United States History.
Approximately six people die every day from drug overdoses in South Carolina. In 2022 alone, over 2,200 South Carolinians died from drug overdose, making our state the 11th most deadly state per capita for drug overdoses in the nation. Drug overdose has now become the leading cause of death among residents under 45 years age. The ongoing crisis and loss of life is devastating to individuals, families, and communities across the state.
Most drug overdose deaths involve opioids, a class of drugs that are commonly used to reduce pain, but which carry high risk of addiction and can be deadly when misused. This class of drugs includes pain medications available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, methadone, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, as well as illicit formulations such as heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl.
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder is a brain disorder that can range in severity from mild to severe. In 2022, 72% of South Carolinians who misused opioids met criteria for opioid use disorder. The American Society of Addiction Medicine, the leading medical organization dedicated to treatment of addiction, defines the condition as ‘‘a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.’’
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Works but is Underutilized.
Treating opioid use disorder can lower the chances of relapse, overdose, and death. Indeed, untreated opioid use disorder doubles the risk of death by any cause. Yet surprisingly, less than 10% of Americans with an active opioid addiction receive any treatment for their condition. The American Society of Addiction Medicine recommends a full continuum of care for individuals with opioid use disorder that includes outpatient services, intensive outpatient programs, residential treatment, inpatient hospitalization and crisis care, and opioid use disorder treatment medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone. Receipt of medications for opioid use disorder treatment should not be contingent on whether an individual is engaged in psychosocial treatment. Treating opioid use disorder with medication is evidence-based; those with opioid use disorder should begin medication immediately with or without concurrent psychosocial treatment.