Opioids are pharmaceutical substances that have robust analgesic and central nervous system depression effects. Because of their potential to cause euphoria via functional changes to the mesolimbic motivational and reward circuits, opioids are the most commonly misused prescribed drug, associated with high risks of dependency and opioid use disorder (OUD). Today, OUD is higher than ever before reaching epidemic proportions with more than 2.5 million Americans affected and over 130 opioid-related deaths per day. The development of OUD and the story behind the opioid crisis is multifaceted and complex.

This webinar sets forth to lay a foundational understanding and framework of OUD, with special consideration for terminology, diagnostic criteria, pharmacological effects, and pathophysiological processes. From here, this webinar will review the contributory factors that have led to the present opioid crisis, including pharmaceutical company false claims on its addictive potential, poor research methodology, inadequate alternative analgesic therapy, stigmatization, poor understanding, and limited education. Particular consideration will then be placed on the special role pharmacists can play in mitigating the opioid crisis, including prescription and pharmacy monitoring, patient education, alternative pain management solutions, and medication-assisted treatment for patients with OUD.