Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) occurs when attempts to cut down or control use are unsuccessful or when use results in social problems and a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, and home. Opioid addiction often comes after the person has developed opioid tolerance and dependence, making it physically challenging to stop opioid use and increasing the risk of withdrawal. National studies have shown that greater than 75% of heroin users utilized prescription painkillers as their gateway.
