The Oxford Handbook of Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract Opioids have a long, rich history of being used throughout the world for both analgesic and recreational purposes. Similarly, the problematic use of opioids and/or development of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) has also long been recognized as a behavioral and medical illness that warrants strong intervention. Opioids and OUD are the focus of rigorous research and clinical practices across several different disciplines, spanning preclinical paradigms to clinical trial interventions, clinical practice, epidemiological surveillance systems, health systems evaluations, and harm reduction programs. This Handbook combines 38 chapters from experts within these respective disciplines to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the science and practice of opioids and OUD. The authors are international experts in their fields and this Handbook represents one of the most integrated sources of information on opioids and OUD available to date. The Handbook is categorized into seven overarching categories: I. General Overviews, II. Core Features of Opioids and OUD, III. Unique Opioid Compounds, IV. Medications for OUD, V. OUD Treatment Methods, VI. Harm Reduction Approaches, and VII. Considerations for Unique Populations. By uniting these fields together, this Handbook serves as a valuable resource to promote comprehensive understanding for persons seeking to learn more about opioids and OUD and the current state of science and practice in these areas.